Abstract: There is disclosed a dead-latching slam bolt lock that includes a rotating dead-latching slam bolt which prevents attempts at breaking in without actuating the lock mechanism. A tongue or toggle acted on by the door jamb engages the bolt and initiates rotation thereof in the door closing direction, but is passive in the opening direction. The locking mechanism may be manual or electronic, and controls the position of a blocking element which alternately prevents and permits unlocking (rotation) of the rotating bolt. In a forward or blocking position, the blocking element prevents rotation of the bolt from a locked position, while in a retracted position the blocking element permits rotation of the bolt to an unlocked position. A spring detent plunger holds the rotating bolt in either its locked or unlocked positions.

Abstract: An adjustable gate latch bar can include: (i) a base plate configured to be fixedly secured to a gate, where the base plate includes first and second elongated slots; (ii) a gate latch bar having first and second bar mounting holes that correspond to the first and second elongated slots; and (iii) first and second thumb screws configured to connect the gate latch bar to the base plate such that the gate latch bar is adjustable when at least one of the first and second thumb screws is loosened, and the gate latch bar is secured to the base plate when the first and second thumb screws are tightened.

Abstract: The restroom stall occupancy indicator system includes a latch coupled to a stall door and movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. A sensor is responsive to selected positioning of the latch and communications the position information to a transmitter. The transmitter then relays the position information to a receiver coupled to an indicator. The indicator, in turn, is responsive to the received position information to provide a first visual identification when the latch is in the unlocked position and a second visual identification when the latch is in the locked position.

Abstract: A very small and efficiently compact electronic cam lock has a motor-driven worm drive lock/unlock actuator that moves a blocking pin to block or to allow unlocking rotation of a locking cam of the device. A spring in the actuator provides for the actuator to move to the locking position while the cam is still in the unlocked position, but to spring into the locking position when the cam is moved back to the locking position. The lock housing includes a threaded bore for a mounting machine screw, strategically placed within the limited space of the lock mechanism.

Abstract: An electronic deadbolt operator for a deadbolt lockset comprises an electronic actuator that rotates a powered driver and a follower that has a lost motion connection with the powered driver, enabling the follower to rotate with the powered driver when the follower is inside its range of travel, and enabling the powered driver to rotate freely of the follower after the follower is pushed to a travel limit. The follower is mounted to a connector driver, which drives the deadbolt, to toggle between two oppositely-disposed off-center positions relative to the connector driver. In one off-center position, only clockwise rotation of the powered driver is operative to rotate the follower. In the opposite position, only counterclockwise rotation of the powered driver is operative to rotate the follower. The interaction between the powered driver, the follower, and stops causes the follower to toggle to an opposite position after hitting a stop.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a safety locking mechanism for a lockset having a cover plate, a support plate, and a lock body. The safety locking mechanism includes a locking push rod having a direction-limiting shaft and a cylindrical rod, a locking stopper, and a locking compression spring. The direction-limiting shaft is mounted at one end of the cylindrical rod and the other end of the cylindrical rod passes through the support plate and presses against the cover plate. The locking stopper is rotatably mounted on the cylindrical rod and has a front end and a back end being close against the support plate and the lock body respectively. The lock body is provided with a direction-limiting groove. The direction-limiting shaft is mounted in the direction-limiting groove. The locking compression spring is mounted between the direction-limiting shaft and a bottom end of the direction-limiting groove in a compressed manner.

Abstract: A lock includes a lock body lockable on a fixed object or place, and a locker formed in the lock body, with the locker consisting of at least one locking chamber formed in the lock body for hiding, storing or locking a privacy or valuable thing in the locking chamber of the lock for security.

Abstract: A secure firearm lock system for the purpose of securing and displaying a firearm in the home affixed to any mountable surface. The secure firearm locking system is designed to allow a user to lock a firearm and ammunition in the same location while having the ability to showcase the weapon. The mountable design of the secure firearm lock system makes it ideal for mounting in many locations around the home, or a vehicle gun rack. The secure firearm lock system is designed for the convenience of having the ammunition in the same location as the firearm during an emergency situation. The secure firearm lock system is safe, secure, and easy to display while allowing an authorized user rapid access at any given time.

Abstract: A handcuff design is provided, including a handcuff strand having ratchet teeth with openings formed therein, a ratchet button comprising teeth configured to interface with the openings formed in the handcuff strand, a universal handcuff key receptacle configured to receive a universal handcuff key, a pawl arrangement including a rotatable pawl element configured to be moved in a direction away from the handcuff strand by the universal handcuff key, the pawl arrangement including a spring mechanism, and a lock bar configured to impede movement of the pawl arrangement unless moved to an unlocked position.

Abstract: A latch assembly which is installed in a tail gate for a vehicle (e.g., a middle-sized or small-sized bus) is provided. The latch assembly for a vehicle with a separated type pawl structure includes a first pawl that is configured to be captured by and released from a claw and a second pawl that is configured to be operated by a cable. In particular, the latch assembly includes a direction of transmission of a load of the claw and a direction of operating force of the pawl that are disposed perpendicular to each other. Accordingly, a loss of operating force in a direction of a load of the claw is minimized and latch operating performance is improved by reducing operating force of the pawl and the claw.

Abstract: A system for opening and closing a vehicle hood includes a manual maneuvering element that is able to control positioning of the hood on a vehicle body and a mechanism for locking and unlocking the maneuvering element.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a latching arrangement for an enclosure with an enclosure door and an enclosure body. First and second latch members are secured at first and second latch-member locations, respectively, relative to the enclosure door. First and second catch members are secured at first and second catch-member locations relative to the enclosure body. When a handle of the door is moved from a first handle orientation towards a second handle orientation, the first latch member engages the first catch member before the second latch member engages the second catch member.

Abstract: A latch having a housing and a latch mechanism located within an interior portion of the housing. The latch mechanism includes an arm, a pair of socket screws, a pair of torsion springs, each of which is connected rotatably to the arm and engages a corresponding one of the pair of socket screws, a bolt mechanism attached rotatably to the housing, and a link attached pivotally to the arm and attached to the bolt mechanism. The socket screws are utilized to adjust loads on the springs. The bolt mechanism is movable between a first position, in which the arm and the link are toggled with one another under the loads of the springs and the bolt mechanism is adapted to engage an external structure, and a second position, in which the link and the arm are untoggled with one another and the bolt mechanism is disengaged with the external structure.

Abstract: A household appliance (1) comprising a first element (2) and a second element (3) with wiring (4) routed between said first element (2) and said second element (3), and a hinge mechanism (5) comprising at least one pivot point (6), wherein said hinge mechanism (5) is mechanically connecting said first element (2) and said second element (3), such that said first element (2) is arranged at a first side (7) of said hinge mechanism (5) and that said second element (3) is arranged at a second side (8) of said hinge mechanism (5), wherein said household appliance (1) further comprises a cover (9) for said wiring (4), characterized in that said cover (9) is pivotally attached at said first side (7) of said hinge mechanism (5), wherein at least a section of said wiring (4) is arranged between said hinge mechanism (5) and said cover (9).

Abstract: A door closer assembly includes a central shaft rotatingly mounted in an outer housing and which passes through at least one brake pad. One or more wedges are slidingly mounted on the central shaft by means of a fastener. The wedges, upon tightening of the fastener, wedge against an inclined surface, which forces the wedges downwards and applies a downwards force that causes a friction-enhanced surface to rub against the at least one brake pad.

Abstract: A hinge including a first bracket, a second bracket, a shaft, a fixing element and a position limiting ring is provided. The first bracket includes a first hole and a protrusion protruding from edge of the first hole toward inside of the first hole. The second bracket includes a second hole. The shaft has a cylinder portion passing through the first hole, a fixing portion passing through the second hole, and a first position limiting structure encircling the shaft. The fixing element is disposed at ends of the cylinder portion to fix the shaft to the first bracket. The position limiting ring encircles the shaft and located between the first bracket and the first position limiting structure. The position limiting ring has a second position limiting structure and a recess, the second position limiting structure engages with the first position limiting structure, and the protrusion is located in the recess.

Abstract: A closing device includes a torque storing mechanism, a first and a second actuation member which are both rotatable with respect to the supporting frame and a mechanical connector piece which is rotatable with respect to the supporting frame and configured for being mechanically fixed to the second hinge member which is fixed to the closure member. A first locking mechanism enables to lock the mechanical connector piece either to the first actuation member or to the second actuation member and a second locking mechanism enables to lock the supporting frame to the second actuation member when the connector piece is locked to the first actuation member and to the first actuation member when the connector piece is locked to the second actuation member. In this way, the closing device is suited for left and right turning closure members without requiring an extra gearing to reverse the rotation direction.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for pivotally connecting an associated appliance lid to an associated appliance body includes a base adapted to be connected to the associated appliance body. A cam is rotatably supported on the base and is adapted to be engaged by the associated appliance lid and is rotatable about a lid pivot axis. A snubber/damper is operatively connected to the base. The cam exerts a snubber activation force on the snubber when said cam rotates about the lid pivot axis in a first direction corresponding to movement of the associated appliance lid from an opened position toward a closed position such that the snubber damps movement of the cam when the cam rotates in the first direction.

Abstract: A restricting device includes: a movable member that is capable of changing a posture with respect to a support member; and a buffer member that is fixed to the movable member, comes into contact with the support member in accordance with a posture change of the movable member, and restricts the posture of the movable member, wherein in the movable member, a mounting recess portion, an outlet port, a slip-off preventing piece, and a fitting piece are formed, and the buffer member has a fixing portion, an elastic portion, and a connecting portion, and in the elastic portion, a fitting recess portion is fitted is formed.

Abstract: A structure for unifying a motor for use with a rear curtain and a power trunk is provided. The structure includes an electromagnetic clutch, which is connected to a hinge arm of a trunk lid via a trunk wire and is connected to a rear curtain via a curtain wire and selectively transmits driving force to the trunk wire or to the curtain wire. Additionally, a rotary motor is connected to the electromagnetic clutch and supplies driving force to the electromagnetic clutch. The trunk wire and the curtain wire are operated by a single rotary motor. Accordingly, the production cost and weight of a vehicle are reduced.

Abstract: A window regulator for opening and closing a window glass arranged at a door of a vehicle includes an arm member that is rotated by a driving unit so as to lift and lower the window glass. The arm member includes an inside extending portion that extends in form of a staircase via first and second inside bending sections that form folds including a mountain fold and a valley fold in a longitudinal direction, and an outside bead portion that is bent and projected outwardly from an outer peripheral end of the inside extending portion and that is bent in form of a staircase via first and second outside bending sections that form folds including a mountain fold and a valley fold in the longitudinal direction. The first and second inside bending sections are formed between the first outside bending section and the second outside bending section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flood seal arrangement and particularly to a flood seal arrangement suitable for a low threshold door. The flood seal arrangement comprises a first gasket member and a second gasket member. The first gasket member may be provided on a door leaf, while the second gasket member may be provided on a threshold. The first and the second gasket member are configurable to engage and thereby form a seal. In response to water pressure, the flood seal arrangement may be deformed and the seal may be improved.

Abstract: The present invention involves an entry door having a window glass situated in a door slab and a space between the window glass and the door slab. A plugless locking system is configured to fit in the space between the window glass and the door slab. The plugless locking system has a first plugless lock is configured to receive an external trim and is configured to mate with a second plugless lock. The second plugless lock is configured to receive an interior trim. The combination of the mated first and second plugless lock fit within the space between the window glass and door slab and secure interior and exterior trim to the entry door. Also disclosed is a method for using the plugless locking system in an entry door.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing VIGUs and IGUs comprises providing a first lite; providing a second lite spaced apart from the first lite to form a cavity therebetween; and encircling the lites with a one piece band. Spacers of a metal solder alloy or other reflowable material are inserted between the band and the perimeter edges of the lites. The assembly is heated in an evacuated environment, causing the spacers to melt and hermetically bond to the lites, but not until the cavity has been substantially evacuated.

Abstract: A composite glass pane having a first glass pane, a second glass pane, and an intermediate layer arranged between the first and second glass panes is described. The intermediate layer includes one cover layer based on a thermoplastic polymer, and a border seal. The first glass pane is arranged with an offset relative to the second glass pane, the intermediate layer is cut back along at least one edge of the composite glass pane by a border distance, and the border seal is arranged in a border gap delimited by the first glass pane, the second glass pane and the intermediate layer. The border seal contains a polymer fusible with a polymer of the cover layers.

Abstract: A light control element includes a first substrate, a light control laminate, and a second substrate opposite to the first substrate. The light control laminate includes: a first electrode disposed on the first substrate; a second electrode opposite to the first electrode; and a light control layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and formed to change in the optical state according to power supplied using the first electrode and the second electrode. The light control element further includes: a third electrode formed on the second substrate and opposite to the second electrode; and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the second electrode and the third electrode. The light control laminate is sealed by the liquid crystal layer and the first substrate.

Abstract: A shade for covering a window, a door, or a wall opening is provided comprising a shade material forming a shade portion and an integral hem bar assembly constructed by folding a bottom portion of the shade material. The hem bar assembly comprises an outer laterally extending pocket that envelopes an inner laterally extending pocket. Upon meeting a horizontal surface, the outer pocket of the hem bar assembly deflects and conforms to the horizontal surface to eliminate any light gap between the hem bar assembly and the horizontal surface without causing the shade portion of the shade material to buckle or ripple. The hem bar assembly is constructed such that no excess material, edges, or ends appear on the front surface of the shade material.

Abstract: A sunshade structure is disclosed, which is installed on a window frame, and includes a main shading member and an auxiliary shading member. The main shading member is a window covering having a headrail, a bottom rail, and a covering assembly which connects the headrail and the bottom rail. The auxiliary shading member includes at least one movable plate. When the bottom rail is located at a first position away from the headrail, the at least one movable plate approaches the covering assembly to cover a gap formed between the covering assembly and a lateral side of the window frame; when the bottom rail leaves the first position and moves toward a second position near the headrail, the at least one movable plate pivots to stop blocking out light from outside.

Abstract: A climbing stick system includes the first climbing stick and a second climbing stick. The first climbing stick includes a first step support having a cavity and a mouth leading to the cavity and first steps coupled to the first step support. The second climbing stick includes a second step support, second steps coupled to the second step support and a locking member having a head. One of the mouth and the locking member is rotatable between a locked position in which the head is locked within the cavity to retain the first climbing stick with respect to the second climbing stick and an unlocked position to facilitate separation of the first climbing stick and the second climbing stick.

Abstract: A longer-lasting, lower cost, more powerful, all metal, mud motor than the presently available progressing cavity type mud motors for drilling boreholes into the earth. A mud motor apparatus possessing one single drive shaft that turns a rotary drill bit, which apparatus is attached to a drill pipe which provides high pressure mud to the mud motor, wherein the drive shaft receives at least a first portion of its rotational torque from any high pressure mud flowing through a first hydraulic chamber within the apparatus, and receives at least a second portion of its rotational torque from any high pressure mud flowing through a second hydraulic chamber within the apparatus. A typical mud motor apparatus possesses two or more hydraulic chambers, each having its own power stroke, and return stroke, which act together in a controlled fashion to provide continuous power to a rotary drill bit.

Abstract: A downhole pulsing apparatus having a tubular housing, a first valve assembly positioned in the housing, first and second turbine stages each comprising a stator and a rotor positioned in the housing below the first valve assembly and a second valve assembly positioned in the housing. There is a tubular mandrel connected for rotation of the rotors of the turbine stages and to a second valve assembly. The first valve assembly includes a valve element which is movable between a first position wherein pressurized fluid flow entering the housing is directed to the first turbine assembly, and a second position wherein the fluid flow is directed primarily axially through the apparatus so as to partially bypass the first turbine stage.

Abstract: A kinetic penetrator includes a tubular body having a first end and a second end, a nose coupled to the first end of the tubular body, the nose configured to penetrate a ground surface and subsurface materials of a subterranean ground volume, a retrieval system including a tether, a collector coupled to at least one of the nose and the tubular body, and a sample compartment configured to interface with the collector. The sample compartment is releasably coupled to at least one of the tubular body, the nose, and the collector, and the tether is coupled to the sample compartment and is configured to facilitate removal thereof from the subterranean ground volume.

Abstract: A hybrid-type earth boring drill bit is described having fixed cutting blades and rolling cones with cutting elements, wherein the rolling cones are associated with a spindle assembly that may be optionally divorced from the head pin assembly, and which includes bearing members that further include a plurality of polycrystalline diamond elements.

Abstract: A cutting head apparatus for mechanical radial drilling that includes one or more cutting inserts and at least one fluid passage way for the flow of drilling fluid through the cutting head.

Abstract: A method of making a polycrystalline diamond compact includes forming multiple layers of premixed diamond particles and carbonate material, where the carbonate material includes an alkaline earth metal carbonate, and where each layer has a weight percent ratio of diamond to carbonate that is different from adjacent layers. The layers are subjected to high pressure high temperature conditions to form polycrystalline diamond.

Abstract: A composite sucker rod assembly is provided for use in down-hole wells. The sucker rod assembly includes a plurality of wound fiber strength elements that are drawn into an in-situ mold tube or clamshell and resin-infused in conjunction with creating a conical wedge terminus connection for at least one end-fitting. Each terminus fitting has a tapered cavity with a proximal opening to receive the composite material. The cavity is tapered so as to flare outwardly from said cavity's proximal opening toward the cavity's distal end. A two-piece cruciform or single piece pin insert interlocks with the wound fiber elements and the terminus fitting to form a high strength connection. The assembly is tensioned prior to infusing and curing the resin matrix for the composite. The mid-span of the sucker rod or tension member can be molded in an oval, elliptical or airfoil shape by various means.

Abstract: A measurement-while-drilling system is integrated into a mud motor. The measurement-while-drilling system includes sensors which may include inclination and tool face sensors, for example, located near to the drill bit. Data from the near bit sensors is transmitted by way of telemetry, for example, EM telemetry. The mud motor may include a rotating electrical coupling which provides good electrical productivity between an uphole coupling of the mud motor and the rotating mandrel. The EM telemetry transmitter may include an electrically-insulating gap integrated with the mandrel of the mud motor.

Abstract: A saver sub includes a hollow, tubular body having an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion is coupled to a kelly or a top drive, and the lower portion is coupled to a drill string. An insulation layer is positioned between the upper portion and the lower portion.

Abstract: A system and method for locking together a running tool and a tubular member to rotate the tubular member. The system includes a tubular member and a running tool adapted to engage in a mechanical connection such that the running tool and the tubular member are arranged concentrically and moveable longitudinally together. The system includes a locking assembly adapted to lock the tubular member and the running tool together once the tubular member and the running tool are engaged in the mechanical connection, so that torque applied to the running tool is applied to the tubular member through the locking assembly to rotate the running tool and the tubular member synchronously. The locking assembly is adapted to unlock the tubular member and the running tool when the tubular member is landed on a shoulder of an outer tubular member so that the mechanical connection can then be disengaged.

Abstract: An antirotation stabilizer may include one or more antirotation pads extending from a stabilizer body. Each antirotation pad may be positioned at least partially within a recess formed in the stabilizer body. Each antirotation pad may be coupled to a torsion bar. The torsion bar may couple between the antirotation pad and the stabilizer body and may be under torsional loading such that the antirotation pad is extended from the stabilizer body. The antirotation stabilizer may include one or more rollers.

Abstract: A larger diameter coiled tubing is run into an extended reach deviated wellbore to a location at or near its horizontal reach limit. The smaller diameter coiled tubing is then run through the larger diameter tubing until the end of the smaller tubing protrudes from the larger tubing. The smaller tubing is then run further into the wellbore to a location further than would have been possible if either tubing had been run alone. Supplementary reach-increasing techniques such as friction reducing vibrators and/or downhole tractors can also be used in combination with the described techniques.

Abstract: There is provided a wrench for a workpiece having a wrench head with a fixed jaw element and an adjustable jaw element opposite the fixed jaw element, the fixed jaw element and the adjustable jaw element defining a workpiece engagement area that receives and engages the workpiece. The fixed jaw element and the adjustable jaw element are connected by a pin and slot connection that permits movement of the adjustable jaw element relative to the fixed jaw element to adjust the size of the workpiece engagement area. A removable die is provided that engages the slot to restrict the movement of the pin along the slot and define a maximum size of the workpiece engagement area. An articulated actuator actuates the wrench head to apply torque to the workpiece.

Abstract: A method for detecting an influx in a wellbore with first and second pressure transmitters arranged in a fixed vertical distance in relation to each other. The method includes calculating an expected density of a return flow between the first and second pressure transmitters, continuously measuring an actual density of the return flow based on a measured pressure at the first and second pressure transmitters, comparing the calculated expected density of the return flow and the measured actual density of the return flow to determine the influx in the wellbore, and predicting a probability of hydrates forming in the well by measuring a temperature via a temperature transmitter arranged in a section of the well adjacent to the first and/or the second pressure transmitter, and using the temperature together with the measurements from the first and second pressure transmitters.

Abstract: A method, comprising acquiring annular pressure data from a wellbore where the annular pressure data is acquired over a time interval and at least a portion of the annular pressure data is acquired during a pumps-off period. At least first and second values are identified from the annular pressure data and the variation between the first and second values are compared to a first threshold. Drilling equipment is operated based on the comparison with the first threshold.

Abstract: A downhole tool for use in a wellbore that includes a mandrel made of a composite material, the mandrel having a distal end and a proximate end; a metal slip having a slip body comprising at least one longitudinal hole, and a face surface configured with a set of mating grooves; a lower sleeve disposed about the mandrel at the distal end, the lower sleeve having a set of pin inserts configured to engage the set of mating grooves.

Abstract: A downhole tool configured to pass through a narrowed diameter, the downhole tool having a mandrel made of a composite material; a fingered member disposed around the mandrel; a first cone disposed around the mandrel; a fingered bearing plate disposed around the mandrel; and a fingered lower sleeve disposed around and coupled to the mandrel.

Abstract: A core release system 10 has a housing 28 provided with an impact member 30 arranged to impact a core sample 16 gripped in a core tube 12. The housing 10 can be fitted over an end of the core tube 12 in which a core sample is gripped. The impact member is arranged to deform in preference to the core sample 16. By applying a force to the housing 28 or the tube 12 which causes impact of the core sample 16 on the impact member 28 the core sample is displaced relative to, and released from the grip of, the tube 12.

Abstract: A downhole rotary tool for comminuting tubing in a borehole comprises a tool body and a plurality of cutting assemblies projecting from or extensible from the tool body and distributed azimuthally around a longitudinal axis of the tool body. Each cutting assembly comprises a supporting structure and a plurality of cutters with cutting surfaces of hard material. The rotating tool is advanced into initial contact with the tubing to commence milling axially along the tubing and then advanced further to continue milling the tubing, At least one cutting assembly has material which is softer than the hard faces of the cutters and is positioned to contact the tubing at the initial contact and delay contact between at least one hard surfaced cutter and the tubing.

Abstract: A pulsing apparatus for use in a conduit through which is flowing a liquid. The pulsing apparatus includes a housing in which is positioned a valve generally at the inlet of the housing, the valve controlling flow of fluid down a central passageway of the housing. There is also flow through an annulus of the housing formed in part by at least one rotor and one stator, the rotor rotating in response to fluid flow impinging on the vanes of the rotor. There is a second valve provided in the lower end of the housing through which flow can be intermittently interrupted to cause pressure pulses in the mud flow and hence in the conduit in which the pulsing apparatus is disposed, the second valve being operatively connected to the rotor.

Abstract: A gripping tool having a mandrel reciprocatable within a slide member, the mandrel having a top connector for connecting to a tubular string and a bottom connector for connecting to a cutting tool, the slide member having at least one radially outwardly biased friction member and a slip cage with at least one window through which a slip is deployable, by movement of the mandrel within the slide member, to engage and grip a section of casing to be removed from a well, the mandrel being rotatable by rotation of the tubular string to operate the cutting tool with the gripping tool in the gripping mode. After detachment of the section of casing by the cutting tool, the gripping tool and the gripped section of casing are pulled from the well. The gripping mode is restorable to a running position to reset the tool in the casing.