Abstract: A door locking device for hydro excavation equipment. The door locking device includes a grapple support housing secured to a door of a debris tank, a lower gripping jaw having a lower pin defining a lower axis about which the lower gripping jaw is configured to rotate, and an upper gripping jaw having an upper pin defining an upper axis about which the upper gripping jaw is configured to rotate. The locking device also includes a yoke having a first end coupled to proximate ends of the lower and upper gripping jaw, and an actuator coupled to a second end of the yoke and configured to extend and retract the yoke to cause the lower and upper gripping jaws to rotate in response thereto about the lower axis and the upper axis, respectively.

Abstract: An external hinge is provided for pivotally connecting a door to a sidewall while obtaining at least 180 degrees of opening movement or degree of rotation. The external hinge is substantially concealed behind the sidewall and the door in a fully closed position of the door. In one embodiment, the external hinge comprises a first curved arm extending between a first pivot pin of a first part mounted on an interior surface of the sidewall and a second pivot pin of a second part mounted on an interior surface of the door. The external hinge further comprises a second curved arm extending between a third pivot pin of the first part mounted on the interior surface of the sidewall and a fourth pivot pin of the second part mounted on the interior surface of the door.

Abstract: A hinge assembly includes first and second portions. One of the first and second portions includes first and second receptacles and the other one of the first and second portions includes first and second cylindrical members extending in opposite directions along a hinge axis and a thickened portion having a contoured outer surface disposed adjacent the cylindrical members. The second portion is moveable from: a first state wherein the first and second cylindrical members are disposed in the first and second receptacles such that the second portion is coupled to the first portion and generally free to rotate about the hinge axis through at least a predetermined degree range, and a second state in which the second portion is decoupled from the first portion responsive to the second portion being rotated beyond the predetermined degree range and the contoured outer surface interacting with a portion of the first portion.

Abstract: An extended range sliding door hinge may include a track bracket assembly and an intermediate bracket. The track bracket assembly is sized to be operatively received by a vehicle door track assembly. A first end of the intermediate bracket is movably mounted to the track bracket assembly so that the intermediate bracket may be moved with respect to the track bracket assembly between a retracted position and an extended position. A second end of the intermediate bracket is sized to operatively engage a vehicle sliding door. The extended range sliding door hinge allows the vehicle sliding door to be moved between a standard position when the intermediate bracket is in the retracted position and an extended position when the intermediate bracket is in the extended position.

Abstract: A sash lifter assembly for a casement to equalize the amount of reveal at the top and bottom of the casement window sash, and that is also adjustable to accommodate manufacturing tolerances. The sash lifter raises the entire sash up to equalize the reveal at the top and bottom of the window. It is adjustable to accommodate the variation in reveal due to manufacturing tolerances.

Abstract: A control device for opening and closing bodies of vehicles comprises a driving device that drives an opening and closing body of a vehicle and a controlling unit that controls operation of the driving device. The controlling unit is configured so as to cause the opening and closing body to move while controlling the speed of the opening and closing body movement by executing speed feedback control and to set a plurality of control regions over the range of movement of the opening and closing body and change control properties for the speed feedback control in each of the control regions.

Abstract: A window-anti-pinch system suitable to operate a powered-window in a vehicle includes a motor and a controller. The motor is coupled to a window by an apparatus. The motor is operable to raise the window when the motor is operated in a first-direction and lower the window when the motor is operated in a second-direction opposite the first-direction. The apparatus is characterized by slack between the motor and the window. The controller is in communication with the motor. The controller is configured to apply a slack-removal-signal to the motor prior to operation of the motor to raise the window when a most-recent-operation of the motor was effective to lower the window. The slack-removal-signal is a predetermined-waveform effective to operate the motor in the first-direction to take-up the slack but not raise the window.

Abstract: Described herein is a vehicle side window system and method for implementing an ice breaking strategy. The ice breaking strategy receives and analyzes sensor information from one or more environmental sensors to determine when to preemptively implement an ice breaking routine. The ice breaking strategy is also capable of monitoring one or more components of the vehicle side window system to determine when to cease the ice breaking routine.

Abstract: Methods and systems for opening an access point of a vehicle. A system and a method may involve receiving wirelessly a signal from a remote controller carried by a user. The system and the method may further involve receiving audio or video data indicating the user approaching the vehicle. The system and the method may also involve determining an intention of the user to access an interior of the vehicle based on the audio or video data. The system and the method may also involve opening an access point of the vehicle responsive to the determining of the intention of the user to access the interior of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for operating a door of a vehicle is disclosed. The system may include an actuator configured to move the door between an open position and a closed position. The system may also include a controller configured to determine a first open-door angle associated with a predetermined first velocity profile, determine a second open-door angle based on the open position relative to the closed position, determine a second velocity profile based on the first open-door angle, the second open-door angle, and the first velocity profile, and control the actuator to operate the door according to the second velocity profile.

Abstract: Embodiments for an automated sliding door system having a slide and rail assembly engaged to a door panel for automatically sliding the door panel relative to a door frame are described. The slide and rail assembly is in operative communication with microprocessor that executes software to adjust various operational parameters of the slide and rail assembly to operate the automatic sliding door.

Abstract: A portable, universally fitting, stylish, lockable security box or bag that integrally affixes to a an object such as the support or cross bar on a frame of a beach lounge chair, a stroller, bike, wheelchair or similar member where it is desirable to protect your valuables on a stationary or a larger movable object. The security bag is a device preferably comprised of a flexible flap component and a main bottom component which encloses the valuables of the user. When the security bag is positioned over an elongate object, such as the support bar of a chair, stroller or other object, the security bag can be affixed to the elongate object by employing a locking mechanism to close the security bag around the support object. The security bag includes an elongate zipper closure to provide a secure internal cavity formed by the two main components which makes this device simple and unique.

Abstract: A lock box assembly includes a shell with one or more partitions defining one or more openings. Compartments are connected to the shell in the one or more openings. The compartments are capable of being rotated about an axis of rotation from a closed to open position in order to receive keys or other items to be deposited and later retrieved. A single axle is inserted through holes in each compartment and through holes in each partition and side panels of the shell to secure the compartments in the lock box assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a universal strut for doors and window elements. More particularly, the invention encompasses a universal strut that mates with a first formed member, and a second formed member, and which assembly is used as windows, doors, window frames, and door frames. The invention also provides a method of using the inventive universal strut for applications that require different widths and lengths for a production or customized window, door, window frame, or door frame. The universal strut can also be used as a thermal barrier between the first formed member, and the second formed member. Preferably, the universal strut is made from a non-metallic or thermal barrier material, while the first formed substrate, and the second formed substrate are preferably made from a metallic material. The universal strut allows for the formation of various configurations for the shapes of window and/or door elements.

Abstract: System for plugging an opening, including: a plug element designed to cover said opening, a frame made up of at least four rails (1?) designed to be positioned inside the opening and including a first groove (22) formed on a front wall of each rail, and a seal (29), said first groove (22) being designed to accommodate a substantially peripheral part (27) of the plug element, said seal (29) being designed to be accommodated with a tight fit in retaining means (34) inserted in said groove (22) and retaining said plug element on the frame.

Abstract: A sill assembly for a door or window frame includes an elongate sill body with a water catchment tray and one or more drainage passages extending from the catchment tray to an outlet, and a drainage trough mounted to an underside of the sill body and depending downwardly therefrom to define a reservoir that receives water that drains from the outlet of the drainage passages. The drainage trough includes weep holes which restrict outflow from the reservoir and is detachable from the sill body, which facilitates the manufacture of the sill assembly in different configurations to suit site requirements.

Abstract: A fabric fire rated door is described. The door utilizes a fire resistant fabric curtain with an end lock attachment. A tubular steel shaft is driven by an internal tube motor. The shaft is supported to minimize deflection. Single door shafts can also be joined together with a coupler shaft to create infinitely wide doors. The coupler shaft is spring loaded to act as a take up reel for a coupling curtain which will overlap each adjacent single door shaft. All curtains are attached to the same bottom bar. A hood covers the shaft, curtain, and the supports that run across the width of the door. The curtain travels over these horizontal supports as it drops down through the hood opening. The horizontal supports keep the curtain in position for proper seal during a fire/smoke event.

Abstract: A rail for a covering for an architectural opening is provided. The rail may be attachable to a shade member of the covering. The rail may include a magnet assembly that is at least partially positioned within a retention channel formed in the rail to releasably secure the rail to a head rail. The magnet assembly may be positionable along a longitudinal axis of the rail and may include a cam lock assembly that releasably secures the magnet assembly within the retention channel of the rail. According to the present disclosure, the head rail and the rail are held in close proximity to each other to inhibit the passage of light between the rail and a head rail.

Abstract: A handle assembly for an architectural covering is provided. The covering may include a shade member, a movable rail attached to the shade member, and a handle secured to the movable rail. The handle may be secured to the rail in a manner that results in a smooth, relatively uninterrupted appearance.

Abstract: An electromechanical orientation actuator (10) for orientating a sunscreen (SCR) with orientable blades (B1, B2, B3; B?1, B?2, B?3) comprises, in series, a motor (11), at least one first speed reduction module (21), a second speed reduction module (31) and a rocker (4) for orienting the blades (B1, B2, B3; B?1, B?2, B?3). The actuator (10) further comprises at least a third speed reduction module (43) in series between the second speed reduction module (31) and the orientation rocker (4). The actuator preferably belongs to a range of actuators further comprising an electromechanical movement actuator (110) for moving a sunscreen (SCR2) that can be moved between a raised position and a lowered position, comprising, in series, a motor (111), at least a first speed reduction module (121) and at least a winder (140) for a suspension cord (L3) of the first screen (SCR2) or for the first screen (SCR2). Notably, the two actuators have a speed reduction module of the same model.

Abstract: A covering for architectural openings includes a cord drive with a pulley that is supported by a bearing surface which lies in the plane of the cord.

Abstract: A window covering includes a movable window covering material, lift cords for moving the material, a lift cord take-up shaft for gathering and releasing lengths of the lift cords to move the window covering material, and a motorized lift assembly. The motorized lift assembly includes a motor assembly including a motor, a gear train drivingly connected to and operated by the motor, and a driveshaft drivingly connected to the gear train and to the lift cord take-up shaft. The gear train includes a plurality of planetary gear stages.

Abstract: A smart window controller includes circuitry configured to establish a representative model of one or more building zones based on occupancy, construction, lighting, or cooling properties of a building. A lighting control strategy is implemented for the one or more building zones based on the representative model or one or more user preferences input at a first user interface screen of an external device. Automatic operations of one or more smart windows, cooling systems, or artificial lighting systems are controlled based on trigger points associated with the lighting control strategy, and a performance level of the lighting control strategy for the one or more building zones is determined based on one or more predetermined financial metrics.

Abstract: A load control system automatically controls the amount of daylight entering a building through at least one window of a non-linear façade of the building. The load control system comprises at least two motorized window treatments located along the non-linear façade, and a system controller. The controller is configured to calculate an optimal position for the motorized window treatments at each of a plurality of different times during a subsequent time interval using at least two distinct façade angles of the non-linear façade, such that a sunlight penetration distance will not exceed a maximum distance during the time interval. The controller is configured to use the optimal positions to determine a controlled position to which both of the motorized window treatments will be controlled during the time interval and to automatically adjust each of the motorized window treatments to the controlled position at the beginning of the time interval.

Abstract: The described apparatus relates to a storage tray for a ladder, in particular a runged stepladder, wherein the storage tray has at least one compartment into which objects can be placed, and has a first receiver for a first element of a buckle closure, which can be attached on the storage tray.

Abstract: A method of operating a directional drill rig from a remote location may involve the steps of: Issuing instructions from a remote location using a remote communications system; receiving said instructions at a drill site location using an on-site communications system; applying said instructions to a directional drill rig; and communicating directional drill rig data from the drill site location to the remote location using the remote and on-site communications systems.

Abstract: A drilling machine for a wellbore is provided. The drilling machine may include a dynamic lateral pad that is movable between an extended and retracted position. In the extended position, the pad moves the drill bit in a direction for drilling. The drilling machine may include a dynamic lateral cutter that is movable between an extended and retracted position. In at least the extended position, the cutter engages the wellbore and removes formation. The drilling machine may include a monolithic or integral drill bit/drive shaft to reduce the distance between a positive displacement motor and a distal end of the monolithic or integral drill bit/drive shaft. The drilling machine may include separate cutting structures that have different rotational speeds and can further utilize the integral drill bit/drift shaft and/or a bent housing that generates an off-axis rotation which helps optimize the formation removal in the center area of the wellbore.

Abstract: An example downhole motor may include a first housing and a second housing with first and second portions characterized by non-parallel longitudinal axes. The second housing may be rotatably coupled to the first housing, and the first portion of the second housing may be arranged in a fixed, non-parallel longitudinal orientation with the first housing. A drive shaft may be at least partially within the first housing, and the motor may further comprise a selectively engageable torque coupling between the drive shaft and the second housing, positioned within the first housing.

Abstract: A downhole oscillation tool and method for axially vibrating a drill bit. In some embodiments, modular actuation assemblies may be provided, which may be readily interchanged between a housing and a shaft to axially vibrate the shaft with respect to the housing. Modular actuation assemblies may be mechanical, hydraulic, electric, or piezoelectric, for example, and may be characterized by differing oscillation frequencies. In some embodiments, a piezo element may be provided between the housing and the shaft.

Abstract: A roller cone drill bit having at least one roller cone cutter, the roller cone cutter having multiple rows of cutting elements, arranged concentrically around the axis of rotation of the roller cone. One row of cutting elements is located on the heel of the roller cone. Each of the rows of cutting elements includes both cemented tungsten carbide inserts and milled teeth as cutting elements.

Abstract: A drilling tool of the present invention includes: a casing pipe; a ring bit having a larger diameter and disposed coaxially on a tip side of the casing pipe; and a pilot bit inserted into the ring bit through the inside of the casing pipe. An outer peripheral part at a tip of the pilot bit is provided with a bit head which is extended when rotated in a tool rotation direction during drilling. The ring bit is provided with a part to be engaged that is engaged with the extended bit head in the tool rotation direction, and a first abutting part capable of abutting against the extended bit head in a direction of an axis.

Abstract: A metal matrix composite tool includes a body having hard composite portion that includes reinforcing particles dispersed in a binder material. At least some of the reinforcing particles comprise a monolithic particle structure including a core having irregular outer surface features integral with the core.

Abstract: Polycrystalline diamond compacts having interstitial diamonds and methods of forming polycrystalline diamond compact shaving interstitial diamonds with a quench cycle are described herein. In one embodiment, a polycrystalline diamond compact includes a substrate and a polycrystalline diamond body attached to the substrate. The polycrystalline diamond body includes a plurality of inter-bonded diamond grains that are attached to one another in an interconnected network of diamond grains and interstitial pockets between the inter-bonded diamond grains, and a plurality of interstitial diamond grains that are positioned in the interstitial pockets. Each of the plurality of interstitial diamond grains are attached to a single diamond grain of the interconnected network of diamond grains or other interstitial diamond grains.

Abstract: A cutting element for an earth-boring tool includes a substrate and volume of superabrasive material positioned on the substrate. The volume of superabrasive material includes a cutting face having at least one recess extending into the volume of superabrasive material and/or at least one protrusion extending outward from the volume of superabrasive material. The volume of superabrasive material includes a first chamfer surface having a peripheral edge and a radially innermost edge. The peripheral edge of the first chamfer surface is located proximate a cutting edge of the volume of superabrasive material. A radial width of the first chamfer surface is between about 0.002 inch and about 0.045 inch. The volume of superabrasive material also includes a second chamfer surface having a peripheral edge and a radially innermost edge. The peripheral edge of the second chamfer surface is located adjacent the radially innermost edge of the first chamfer surface.

Abstract: An improved system and method for bracing, transporting, assembling, and disassembly of drilling equipment at oil and gas land-based well sites. The system has a substructure with side boxes support bracing that are in a scissor jack (or grand plié) style bracing with telescoping tension link(s), linking pins, and vertical hydraulic cylinders. These linking pins are set after raising the substructure and secure the telescoping tension link, support arms, and support bracing in place to maintain the integrity of the substructure. Alternatively the system has a substructure with side boxes support bracing that are in a scissor jack (or grand plié) style bracing with screw jacks and a means of stabilization during substructure raising.

Abstract: A rigid riser system including a rigid riser and one or more fatigue performance enhancers. The rigid riser includes a plurality of rigid metal sections welded together to form a plurality of girth weld joints. The one or more fatigue performance enhancers are positioned over one or more of the plurality of girth weld joints of the rigid riser to enhance the fatigue resistance and/or fatigue life. The body of the fatigue performance enhancer may include a central region and two end regions with the central region having a greater average radial cross-sectional thickness than each of the end regions. Methods of enhancing fatigue performance of the rigid riser and fatigue performance enhancers are also disclosed.

Abstract: Downhole rotary steerable drill including a drilling shaft rotatably supported within a housing, the drilling shaft and housing each having a longitudinal axis. The drill can include a releasable locking mechanism for rotationally locking and releasing the drilling shaft relative to the housing, the releasable locking mechanism transitionable between locked and released configurations. The releasable locking mechanism includes a sliding plunger coupled to the housing by a coupling that permits longitudinal reciprocation of the sliding plunger relative to the housing and prevents rotation of the sliding plunger relative to the housing. The releasable locking mechanism can also include pressure-responsive piston that reciprocates between an unactuated configuration and actuated configuration in response to applied pressure from a pressuring pump.

Abstract: A centralizer device for center positioning of a bore hole component (90, 91) in a bore hole and a method for deploying such a centralizer are described. The centralizer device (100) is prepared to have two possible different states, one state being a locked state for improved deployment and another state being a released state for centring. The transition from the locked state to the released state is performed by introducing a pill of bore fluid having a pH-value outside range of pH-values of bore fluid in a well. The pill of bore fluid dissolves pH-soluble material in the centralizer device.

Abstract: Present embodiments are directed to a tubular gripping system having engagement features. The tubular grappling system is configured to grip a tubular of a mineral extraction system and includes a first set of teeth of a contact surface of the tubular grappling system, wherein the contact surface is configured to engage with the tubular, and each tooth of the first set of teeth comprises a first orientation and a second set of teeth of the contact surface of the tubular grappling system, wherein each tooth of the second set of teeth comprises a second orientation, wherein the first and second orientations are generally perpendicular to one another, wherein the first set of teeth and the second set of teeth are axially offset from one another relative to a central axis of the tubular grappling system.

Abstract: A method for pushing and pulling rod strings through the ground or an underground pipe. A grip assembly is supported on a stationary frame and moveable relative to the stationary frame. The grip assembly has a slip bowl tapering from a large opening to a small opening in a first direction, a plurality of slips, and an actuator. The actuator powers relative axial movement between the slip bowl and the slips. A positioning assembly carries the grip assembly and powers its reciprocating and straight-line movement to urge the grip assembly in either a first or second direction. The grip assembly will work when operated to push or pull the pipe, irrespective of the is direction of the slips.

Abstract: A breakout wrench assembly for a drill rig includes two support shafts. Each of the two support shafts is configured to extend in a direction relative to a drill pipe on a drill rig. The breakout wrench assembly also includes a carrier coupled to the two support shafts. The carrier is movable linearly along the two support shafts. The breakout wrench assembly also includes a breakout wrench pivotally coupled to the carrier or to one of the two support shafts. The breakout wrench includes a first end coupled to the carrier or to one of the two support shafts, and a second, opposite end configured to engage the drill pipe.

Abstract: A drill bit retaining assembly includes a ring, a bit clamp member coupled to the ring, and an actuator coupled to the ring. The bit clamp member is movable via the actuator between a first position, in which the bit clamp member is configured to be engaged with a drill bit and a second position in which the bit clamp member is configured to be disengaged from the drill bit.

Abstract: A bit changer assembly includes a bit basket actuator assembly configured to be coupled to a drill rig. The bit basket actuator assembly includes an actuator, a guiderail, and a bit basket that is movably coupled to the guiderail via actuation of the actuator. The bit changer assembly also includes a bit carousel configured to be coupled to the drill rig, such that the bit carousel is rotatably and vertically moveable relative to the drill rig.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a drilling rig having a tubular delivery arm that vertically translates the mast in a non-conflicting path with a retractable top drive. The retractable top drive translates a well center path and a rearward retracted path. The tubular delivery arm is operable to deliver tubular stands between a catwalk, stand hand-off, mousehole, and well center positions. An upper racking mechanism moves tubular stands between a racked position of the racking module and a stand hand-off position between the mast and racking module. A lower racking mechanism controls the movement of the lower end of the tubular stand being moved coincident to the movements of the upper racking mechanism. An upper support constraint stabilizes tubular stands at the stand hand-off position. A lower stabilizing arm guides the lower end of tubular stands between the catwalk, stand hand-off, mousehole, and well center positions.

Abstract: A method of transmitting a fluid into an oil well bore provides a frame supporting a vessel, the vessel having an interior, upper and lower end portions, a conically shaped side wall, and an outlet for discharging the fluid from the vessel. A viscous polymeric material is added to the vessel interior. A discharge pipe having a vertical section is placed below the vessel, the discharge pipe being in communication with the outlet. A positive displacement pump is contained within the discharge pipe. The pump transmits fluid from the outlet into the discharge pipe downstream of the vertical pipe section or pump. The fluid is selectively transmitted to either the vessel interior (for recirculating) or into the well. Air is added to the discharge flow line downstream of the pump.

Abstract: An anchoring apparatus (110) for use in a wellbore, comprises at least one movable wall engaging member (120) for engaging a wall of a wellbore, wherein the at least one movable wall engaging member (120) is movable from a retracted position to an expanded position to engage the wall, and from the expanded position to a retracted position to disengage the wall. Provision of one or more wall engaging members (120) being movable from an expanded position to a retracted position allows the anchoring apparatus to be retrieved from the wellbore, and in particular, from an open hole.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated downhole tool located at a depth where control line hydrostatic pressure would normally set the tool is temporarily isolated from hydrostatic pressure and changes thereto from well exposure or downhole operations until properly located. A removable barrier is placed in the control line to the tool at a height from the tool that limits the hydrostatic force exposed to the actuation mechanism for the tool. The preferred barrier is a rupture disc that is selectively broken with applied pressure from a remote location, typically the surface above the well. The mounting depth of the barrier can be varied to control the maximum hydrostatic pressure seen by the tool as it is advanced to the intended position.

Abstract: A hybrid bit for use in a wellbore includes: a body having a shank for connection to a drilling motor or drill pipe and a plurality of legs attached to the shank; and a plurality of cutting structures. The cutting structures include a roller cone mounted to a first one of the legs and a fixed mill mounted to a second one of the legs and including a pad dressed with a cermet material.

Abstract: An oil or gas well fishing tool (60) is provided. The downhole fishing tool (60) has a receptacle (61) that is open at one end. The tool also has deployment tool engaging means (62), located on the opposite end of the receptacle (61) to the one end. The tool further has a layer of an alloy (64) provided on the interior surface of the receptacle (61). The alloy is a eutectic alloy and/or a bismuth alloy. The tool further comprises heating means (65) to heat the alloy (64) so that it melts and can flow over any object received within the receptacle (61).

Abstract: A jar device is provided with a releasable locking mechanism which secures the telescopic portions of the jar device from relative movement until released. The locking mechanism is released by a tensional force which ruptures one or more frangible members.