Abstract: A lift assembly for a spa cover includes a lifting arm having a first end pivotally connectable to the spa cover and a second end pivotally connectable to a base of a spa, the connection of the second end of the lifting arm with the spa housing defining a pivot point, and a lift-assist device having a first end configured for coupling to the base at a point substantially directly below the pivot point and a second end operatively connectable to the lifting arm. The lift-assist device is configured to exert a generally upwards biasing force on the cover when the cover is received atop said spa.

Abstract: A valve 10, for relieving ground water pressure on a swimming pool for containing pool water. A body 30 defines a flow path. An element 20 is mounted to be moved in a direction from a position, in which at least one feature 22 of the element co-operates with at least one feature 33 of the body to form a sealing arrangement to block the flow path to retain the pool water, to a position in which the flow path is open to allow ground water into the swimming pool. The sealing arrangement defines an effective area over which the ground water pressure acts to drive the element in the direction, and an effective area over which pool water pressure acts to drive the element opposite the direction. The co-operable features are configured such that a ratio, of the effective area over which the ground water pressure acts to the effective area over which pool water pressure acts, has a value of at least 0.9.

Abstract: A fluid distribution system for an underwater pool cleaner comprises an inlet body having an inlet for receiving a supply of pressurized fluid, a valve assembly body in fluid communication with the inlet of the inlet body and including a plurality of fluid outlets, a first one of the outlets provides fluid for propelling the underwater pool cleaner in a forward direction and a second one of the outlets provides fluid for propelling the underwater pool cleaner in a reverse direction, and a valve subassembly fluidicly driven by the supply of pressurized fluid and periodically switching the supply of pressurized fluid from the first one of the outlets to the second one of the outlets to periodically change direction of propulsion of the underwater pool cleaner.

Abstract: A protective shelter including an enclosure having at least a floor, at least one sidewall coupled to the floor, a door, and a roof coupled to the at least one sidewall. The protective shelter further includes one or more members coupled to the enclosure that support the protective shelter on a substrate and a resilient grouser attached to at least one of the one or more members and in contact with the substrate.

Abstract: A device and method for securing a structural object, including a bottom tray configured to support thereon a container having an open top portion and a closed bottom portion, the bottom tray having a vertical wall configured to support the container around a circumference thereof; and a slot integrated into an end of the bottom tray and vertical wall and configured to fit around a pole shaped structural object adapted to be received within the slot, the bottom tray of the slot configured to rest upon a base of the pole shaped structural object.

Abstract: A system for assembling a tower section of a lattice tower structure for a wind turbine may generally include a tower assembly fixture having a plurality of radially extending fixture arms, wherein each fixture arm extends between a first end and a second end. In addition, the system may include a plurality of trolleys. Each trolley may include a base frame configured to be coupled to one of the fixture arms between its first and second ends and a leg mount pivotally coupled to the base frame. The leg mount may be configured to be coupled to a bottom end of a support leg of the tower section such that, when each of the support legs is coupled to its respective leg mount, the support legs are supported above the tower assembly fixture at a substantially vertical orientation.

Abstract: A sidewall attachment system for attaching decorative objects such as decorative flowers to a structure such as a tent to create a decorative display such as a flower wall. The sidewall attachment system generally includes a sidewall which is adapted to be removably secured to a structure such as a tent. The sidewall includes mounts and apertures for removably securing the upper end and sides, respectively, of the sidewall to the structure. The sidewall also includes a plurality of retainer strips adapted to removably engage with corresponding connector strips located on each of a plurality of panels adapted to be removably connected to the sidewall. Each of the panels includes a plurality of openings which function as grommets to retain any number of decorative attachments such as flowers to the panels to form a decorative display on the structure.

Abstract: An awning mounting rack includes four stand columns; a first folding bracket is disposed between two adjacent stand columns; each stand column has a top holder. The top holder includes a first pole, a second pole and a support pole. The four stand columns include two first stand columns and two second stand columns; the other ends of the second poles connected to the first stand columns are pivot joined to the first top set, the non-end portions of the second poles connected to the first stand columns are respectively pivot joined to a first support rod, the ends of the first support rods are pivot joined to a first bottom set; the other end of the second poles connected to the second stand column are pivot joined to a second top set, the non-end portions of the second poles are pivot joined to a second support rod.

Abstract: A mounting structure of a decorative cap includes a door panel, a cylinder lock fixed to the door panel, and a decorative cap member. A protrusion portion of a cylinder lock protruding 5 from the door panel is covered with the decorative cap member. The decorative cap member includes a water guide channel guiding infiltrated water from a gap between a key insertion opening and a surface of the cylinder lock, to a water ejection opening which is opened on a peripheral wall. The key insertion opening 10 exposes a key insertion section of the cylinder lock.

Abstract: A lockset comprises an upper shell and a bottom plate which are fixedly connected to each other. An accommodating space is formed between the upper shell and the bottom plate. A jack is provided on the surface of the upper shell. A locking mechanism is provided within the accommodating space. The locking mechanism comprises a locking hook fitted with the jack and a control device for controlling the locking hook to move. The locking hook comprises a hook portion accessible to the underneath of the jack and a connection portion controlled by the control device. When a code is correct, the hook portion may move toward one side of the jack; and, when the code is wrong, the connection portion is limited by the control device, and the hook portion is limited underneath the jack.

Abstract: It is presented a lock device comprising: a controller configured to determine whether to open the lock device, wherein the controller is configured to provide an open signal when the lock device it to be opened, the open signal being a pulsating signal; a motor controllable to set the lock device in an open state or a closed state; and a motor driver connected between the controller and the motor, the motor driver comprising a capacitor providing a capacitive coupling between the controller and the motor, the motor driver being configured to provide a motor control signal to the motor to set the lock device in an open state only when a duty cycle of the open signal is less than a threshold duty cycle.

Abstract: A lock assembly (30, 30?) is provided that includes a housing (32), a rotary bolt (36) or a translating bolt (36?), and a bolt blocker (38) that moves between a blocking position blocking movement of the bolts (36, 36?) and an unblocking position permitting the bolts (36, 36?) to move to a retracted position. The lock assemblies (30, 30?) are resistant to shocks being applied to the locks assemblies (30, 30?) in an effort to open the lock assemblies (30, 30?) without authorization.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lock for a door or flap, comprising a locking mechanism that consists of a rotary latch (1) and at least one pawl (2) for locking the rotary latch (1), the rotary latch (1) when in the detent position preferably initiating an opening moment in the pawl (2). The design of the rotary latch (1) is such that said latch is deformed under excessive stress in the locked state in such a way that an engagement between the pawl (2) and the rotary latch (1) is maintained or increases. A lock of this type will not open even under excessive stress.

Abstract: An apparatus for a cylindrical deadbolt assembly indicates whether the deadbolt is locked or unlocked. The apparatus comprises a trim piece, such as an escutcheon or collar, configured to be mounted on the inside face of a door, a dial mounted on an inside surface of the trim piece, and a cam. The trim piece comprises one or more windows for displaying information from the dial. The dial is operative to travel between first and second positions to provide a first indication when the deadbolt is locked and a second indication when the deadbolt is unlocked. The cylinder tail piece turns the cam to move the dial between its first and second positions.

Abstract: Locks, systems and methods of monitoring a lock, the lock having a hub with a slot rotatable by a handle to open and close a latchbolt. A locking member is moveable into and out of engagement with the hub slot to prevent and permit movement of the hub and latchbolt. A sensor on the lock, adjacent the hub and locking member, monitors a moving lock component. The sensor may sense the position of the locking member in or out of engagement with the hub slot. The sensor may be a reed switch actuated by a magnet on the moving lock component. The lock may further include a magnet mounted on the hub and the sensor may comprise a reed switch capable of being actuated by the magnet on the hub. The lock and system may include an external control unit having an alarm for controlling operation of the lock.

Abstract: Described herein is a motor vehicle lock arrangement that includes a motor vehicle lock, with an operable functional element and a securing device which is associated with the functional element, wherein the securing device is coupled or it being possible to couple the securing device to the functional element in order to counteract an automatic operating movement of the functional element due to a crash acceleration phenomena which can occur in the event of a crash. In one embodiment, the securing device has a deflectable blocking element which can be deflected into a blocking position in which an operating movement of the functional element can be blocked by the blocking element, and the blocking element has an associated latching arrangement which latches in when the blocking element is deflected into the blocking position, and the latched-in latching arrangement holds the blocking element in the blocking position.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle door including a vehicle door handle that moves a door latch assembly between a latched configuration and an unlatched configuration. A door lock apparatus is operatively connected to the door latch assembly. An electric motor moves the door lock apparatus between a locked configuration to disallow operation of the door latch assembly using the vehicle door handle and an unlocked configuration that allows operation of the door latch assembly using the vehicle door handle. A door lock control system includes a door lock control zone that is provided on the vehicle door handle. The door lock control zone includes a touch sensor that provides a control signal to an ECU based on an operator touch. The ECU operates the electric motor based on the control signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lock for a motor vehicle door with: a locking mechanism; an actuating lever assembly which acts upon the locking mechanism; and a drive unit for at least one lever of the actuating lever assembly. The drive unit comprises at least one motor and a bolt which is acted upon by the motor and is provided with a recess for at least one output shaft of the motor.

Abstract: A hinge apparatus that connects a first member and a second member to each other so that the first member and the second member are mutually foldable. The hinge apparatus includes a first gear disposed on the first member to rotate according to a rotation of the first member and a second gear disposed on the second member and tooth-engaged with the first gear to rotate according to a rotation of the second member or a rotation of the first gear. The hinge apparatus also including a pressure member to reinforce a mesh force between the first and the second gears.

Abstract: A spacer that attaches to a window sash in order to create an improved window construction. The window construction has a window frame with side tracks. A window sash is set within the side tracks of the window frame. Gap spaces exist between the window sash and the side tracks. To prevent cocking, spacers are provided. The spacers attached to the sides of the window sash inside the tracks where the spacer is not visible. Each spacer has a base, a spring arm that extends from the base, and a contact head that is supported by the spring arm. The base is mounted to the window sash within a gap space. The spring arm extends into the gap space and biases the contact head toward the side track. The contact head also presents a physical barrier to lateral movement. This inhibits the sash from cocking within the window frame.

Abstract: The invention concerns a strap hinge (1) for a separating element. The separating element takes the form of a door, for example, in particular a swing door. The strap hinge (1) comprises two active units. The strap hinge (1) is provided with securing units (27 to 29), which are actively connected to a surface owing to a radial movement. The strap hinge further comprises pressure units (40, 43). The strap hinge (1) offers the same properties as a strap hinge which is provided with a hydraulic braking device.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet; a storage compartment located within the cabinet; a first door pivotally mounted to the cabinet, the first door configured to open or close a first portion of the storage compartment; a second door pivotally mounted to the cabinet, the second door configured to open or close a second portion of the storage compartment; a pillar pivotally mounted to the first door and configured to block leakage of cold air between the first door and the second door; a pillar boss protruding outward from the pillar; a guide recess configured to guide the pillar boss; and a rotator that defines the guide recess, the rotator being configured to rotate about a rotation axis.

Abstract: A keyless entry assembly for a vehicle includes a sensor carrier, a sensor in the form of an electrically conductive pad, and a controller. The sensor is mounted to the sensor carrier and the sensor carrier is positioned adjacent a panel such that the sensor is adjacent the panel. The sensor capacitively couples to an electrically conductive object proximal to the panel while the sensor is driven with electrical charge such that capacitance of the sensor changes due to the sensor capacitively coupling with the object. The controller is operable for driving the sensor with the electrical charge and controlling a vehicle operation as a function of the capacitance of the sensor.

Abstract: A power door opening device comprises a casing; a motor mounted to the casing; a planetary gear unit housed in the casing to reduce rotation speed of the motor; and an output mechanism that transmits reduced rotation from the planetary gear unit to a door to open and close the door. The planetary gear unit comprises a sun gear that rotates with a rotary shaft of the motor; a planetary carrier fixed in the casing; a planetary gear that is rotatably supported to the planetary carrier and meshes with the sun gear; and a ring gear that is rotatably supported in the casing and meshes with the planetary gear. Both ends of the sun gear are supported.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a drive arrangement for motor-operated adjustment of a closure element in a motor vehicle having at least one drive with a drive motor, and a drive controller. The closure element can be driven in the motor-operated adjustment mode by the drive motor in the closing direction and in the opening direction between a closed and an open position. The drive is non-self-locking and has a sensor, in particular a Hall sensor, for sensing the drive movement. The drive controller monitors the sensor signals for a fault state, and when a fault state is sensed initiates an emergency braking and/or stop mode. The drive arrangement comprises two drives each with a sensor for determining the respective drive movement. To detect drive-fault-induced slamming shut of the closure element, the drive controller correlates the sensor signals of the two sensors, in particular compares said sensor signals.

Abstract: A method for operating a closure panel of a vehicle, comprising: using a processor, determining whether a first proximity sensor and a second proximity sensor located on a periphery of the vehicle have been sequentially activated to indicate an object moving across the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor; and, controlling the closure panel to open or close when the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor have been sequentially activated.

Abstract: A composite reinforced mull post is disclosed for use in an entryway assembly. The mull post may engage a door on one side and a side light window on the other side. The mull post may comprise a one or two piece outer portion and one or more internal reinforcing members. The outer portion may comprise a plurality of interlocking pieces. A first internal reinforcing member may be formed of engineered material such as a wood laminate, and a second reinforcing member may comprise a channel that extends partially around the first reinforcing member. The reinforcing member may include orthogonal portions conterminously received within a correspondingly shaped central chamber formed by the housing formed by the joined interlocking pieces. The reinforcing member may include an upper wood portion and a lower durable portion, connected end to end by a glued finger joint.

Abstract: A sill pan is disclosed that is configured for use in spanning rough openings of various lengths. The sill pan includes a base, a pre-formed end flange integral with and extending upwardly from a side edge of the base, a first connector portion formed in the base adjacent to the pre-formed end flange, and a second connector portion formed in the base adjacent to an end opposite to the pre-formed end flange. The sill pan is configured be attachable to an adjacent sill pan with one of the first connector portion and the second connector portion.

Abstract: A window assembly may include a vacuum insulated glass unit and a frame assembly. The vacuum insulated glass unit may include first and second glass substrates defining a space therebetween that is at a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure. One of the first and second glass substrates may include a vacuum port extending outward therefrom. The vacuum port may define a passage in communication with the space. The frame assembly supports the glass unit and may include a base member and a glazing member. The base member and the glazing member cooperate to define a slot in which an edge portion of the glass unit is received. The glazing member may include a cavity receiving the vacuum port.

Abstract: A novel and useful frameless supplemental window for fenestration suitable for use with existing windows. The supplemental window, in one embodiment, comprises plastic sheet material with bullnose edging around it. Corner braces add rigidity and strength to corners in several embodiments. An attachment mechanism secured either to the sheet material or the bullnose edge functions to fasten and/or seal the supplemental window to an existing window. The bullnose edging functions to substantially enclose (i.e. trap) a volume of air between the window pane and the plastic sheet material. The supplemental window is configured such that the layer of trapped air is of an optimum thickness within a preferred range of 0.15 to 0.75 inches to maximize thermal insulation properties of the supplemental window.

Abstract: A cabinet door having a first member with a first recess disposed along a top side of the center panel between a first stile and a second stile, a second recess disposed along a bottom side of the center panel between the first stile and the second stile, and a first veneer having a longitudinally extending grain pattern; a second member with a second veneer having a longitudinally extending grain pattern, and a first rabbet; and a third member with a third veneer having a longitudinally extending grain pattern; and a second rabbet; where the second member fits into the first recess, the third member fits into the second recess, and the longitudinally extending grain pattern of the second veneer is parallel to the longitudinally extending grain pattern of the third veneer and perpendicular to the longitudinally extending grain pattern of the first veneer.

Abstract: A garage door stop mold comprises a base and a seal strip. The base mounts to a door jamb near a garage door opening. The seal strip attaches to the base. Tabs on the bottom surface of the seal strip insert into grooves extending from the base to attach the seal strip to the base. The seal strip has a door seal edge and a jamb seal edge. The door seal edge seals against a garage door when the door is closed and the jamb seal edge seals against the jamb.

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: An extension ladder includes sub-ladders and cushions. Each sub-ladder includes a rung s connected to two tubes. The tubes of each sub-ladder are telescopically connected to the tubes of an adjacent sub-ladder. Each cushion includes an air bag and a slow-release unit. The air bag includes an open end with a channel. The air bag of each cushion is inserted in a corresponding tube. The slow-release unit is operable to slowly release air from the air bag and includes a restraint and a membrane. The restraint is connected to the open end of the air bag. The membrane includes an aperture and is movable arranged between the restraint and the open end of the air bag, with the aperture in communication with the channel.

Abstract: A method for lateral drilling into a subterranean formation whereby a shoe is positioned in a well casing, the shoe defining a passageway extending from an upper opening in the shoe through the shoe to a side opening in the shoe. A rod and casing mill assembly are inserted into the well casing and through the passageway in the shoe until a casing mill end of the casing mill assembly substantially abuts the well casing. The rod and casing mill assembly are rotated until the casing mill end substantially forms a perforation in the well casing. An internally rotating nozzle is attached to an end of a hose and is pushed through the passageway and the perforation into the subterranean formation, and fluid is ejected from tangential jets into the subterranean formation for impinging upon and eroding the subterranean formation.

Abstract: A cutting element may include a substrate and a volume of polycrystalline diamond material affixed to the substrate at an interface. The volume of polycrystalline diamond may include a front cutting face with at least one substantially planar portion and at least one recess. The at least one recess may extend from a plane defined by the at least one substantially planar portion a first depth into the volume of polycrystalline diamond material in an axial direction parallel to a central axis of the cutting element. The volume of polycrystalline diamond material may comprise a region including a catalyst material. At least one region substantially free of the catalyst material may extend from the at least one substantially planar portion of the front cutting face a second depth into the volume of polycrystalline diamond in the axial direction. Methods of forming cutting elements.

Abstract: A cable arrangement for feeding power and signals to downhole equipment, such as an electrically submersible pump (6), within an oil or gas well, comprising an upper suspension element (15), a lower connector (22), a docking station (11?) for the downhole equipment coupled to said connector (22), and a cable (8a), comprising lines for power and signal. The cable extends between, and is coupled to, the upper suspension element (15) and the lower connector (22). The docking station (11?) is adapted for attachment to the inner surface of a production tubing (5), that a narrow gap is formed between the production tubing (5) and the downhole equipment (6). The cable (8) is shaped to fit inside the gap by having a first dimension in the radial direction of the gap, which is smaller than the gap and a second dimension in the tangential direction of the gap, which is substantially larger than the first dimension.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing marine riser buoyancy elements includes providing a master mold and mold inserts such that a range of buoyancy elements may be manufactured from one master mold and providing the mold inserts such that an annular space between the riser main conduit and the buoyancy elements, or a groove width between the buoyancy elements may be varied during manufacture.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a first number of splines located near a first end of a first joint section and a second number of splines located near a second end of a second joint section. The first number of splines extends in an axial direction of the first joint section and spans a circumferential surface of the first joint section. Each of the first number of splines has a base, a tip, and a pair of flanks that extends from the base to the tip and forms an acute angle. Each of the first number of splines are configured to be received between adjacent pairs of splines in the second number of splines as the first end of the first joint section and the second end of the second joint section are joined.

Abstract: A pipe handler trailer assists with the handling of very large and heavy pipes that are regularly raised to and lowered from an elevated surfaces. A height adjustment assembly sets the maximum height that a skidway will reach when a lift cylinder is fully extended and lift arms are thereby rotated. Located within lift arms are toothed racks. An adjustment block couples the skidway to lift arms through the racks and also supports locking blocks that have teeth complementary to the teeth on the racks. A lock will vary from firm contact with the inner wall of lift arms to having a gap there between. When the lock engages the inner wall of the lift arm this drives the complementary teeth into secure engagement with the rack teeth, which can then rigidly support heavy load without motion.

Abstract: Treatment fluids comprising viscosifiers and filtration control agents that may be useful at high temperatures and methods for using the treatment fluids to treat subterranean formations are provided herein. A method of treating a subterranean formation comprising: providing a treatment fluid comprising: an aqueous base fluid, a tetrapolymer that comprises at least one monomer, and a graft copolymer that comprises: a backbone comprising a lignite, and at least one monomer; and introducing the treatment fluid into a wellbore penetrating the subterranean formation.

Abstract: A drill bit is disclosed for drilling a borehole. In an embodiment, the bit includes a bit body having a central axis, a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a radially outer surface. The bit body includes a flow passage extending axially from the first end, and a cutting structure disposed at the second end. In addition, the bit includes an actuating member disposed within the flow passage. The actuating member includes a throughbore, a radially outer surface, and a fluid flow port extending radially from the throughbore to the radially outer surface of the actuating member. The actuating member is configured to move axially relative to the bit body between a first position restricting fluid communication between the throughbore and the borehole through the fluid flow port and a second position allowing fluid communication between the throughbore and the borehole through the fluid flow port.

Abstract: A diverter for diverting a fluid from a riser in a drilling system. The diverter includes a diverter support housing comprising a suspension structure configured so that the diverter support housing is suspendable from a drilling rig, and a main passage arranged to extend from an uppermost end of the diverter support housing to a lowermost end of the diverter support housing. The main passage is configured to have a drill string extend therethrough. A diverter housing is arranged in the main passage. An annular packer element is mounted within the diverter housing. An actuator is mounted within the diverter housing. The actuator is configured to force the annular packer element into a sealing engagement with the drill string. A seal locking mechanism is configured to retain a tubular sealing element in the diverter housing adjacent to the annular packer element.

Abstract: A lock open device for a running tool including a mandrel, the device including a collar located on the mandrel of the running tool and having an open position profile and a slot comprising a rotational travel section and an axial travel section. The lock open device also includes a top plate having a cog configured to engage with the open position profile to restrict the collar from relative rotation and a can including a pin configured to engage with the collar slot, in which the collar is rotatable upon overcoming a resistance of the top plate such that the pin is located in the axial travel section, allowing axial movement of the collar relative to the can.

Abstract: A downhole tool, a retrievable bridge plug system, and a method. The downhole tool includes a release mandrel, a plurality of slips disposed at least partially around the release mandrel, an upper cone disposed at least partially around the release mandrel and on a first axial side of the plurality of slips, a lower cone disposed at least partially around the outer mandrel and on a second axial side of the plurality of slips, and a collet positioned axially and radially between the release mandrel and the lower cone. The collet is configured to prevent downward movement of the lower cone relative to the release mandrel at least when the downhole tool is in a run-in configuration and when the downhole tool is in a set configuration.

Abstract: There is provided systems, methods and apparatus for the use of directed energy, including high power laser energy, in conjunction with mechanical shearing, sealing and closing devices to provide reduced mechanical energy well control systems and techniques.

Abstract: A Drill-To-The-Limit (DTTL) drilling method variant to Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) applies constant surface backpressure, whether the mud is circulating (choke valve open) or not (choke valve closed). Because of the constant application of surface backpressure, the DTTL method can use lighter mud weight that still has the cutting carrying ability to keep the borehole clean. The DTTL method identifies the weakest component of the pressure containment system, such as the fracture pressure of the formation or the casing shoe leak off test (LOT). With a higher pressure rated RCD, such as 5,000 psi (34,474 kPa) dynamic or working pressure and 10,000 psi (68,948 kPa) static pressure, the limitation will generally be the fracture pressure of the formation or the LOT. In the DTTL method, since surface backpressure is constantly applied, the pore pressure limitation of the conventional drilling window can be disregarded in developing the fluid and drilling programs.

Abstract: A subsea support system comprises: at least one component (501) which is configured to be fixedly connected to a pressure conductor (101) in a seabed; and a subsea support (601) which is configured to compliantly support the at least one component (501); wherein, when the at least one component (501) is fixedly connected to the pressure conductor (101), substantially all of a mechanical load (T) which is applied to the subsea support (601) is transmitted by the subsea support (601) to the seabed while the at least one component (501) is substantially free of the mechanical load and remains fixed relative to the pressure conductor (101).

Abstract: A method for testing an insert packer assembly positioned within a diverter assembly includes inserting a test tool through an opening of the insert packer assembly and into a bore of the diverter assembly. The method includes driving multiple annular flexible components of the insert packer assembly radially inward to contact an outer annular surface of the test tool to form a sealed space between the multiple annular flexible components and the outer annular surface of the test tool. The method also includes applying a fluid to the sealed space to increase a pressure within the sealed space and monitoring the pressure within the sealed space over a period of time to determine a condition of the insert packer assembly.

Abstract: A device and method to control the rate of radial expansion of a compressible sealing element on a packer over the longitudinal length of the sealing element. By varying the rate of compression of the element, the rate of radial expansion of the corresponding portions of the element may also be controlled. Additionally, the rate of radial expansion may also be controlled by controlling the direction and amount of radial expansion along the length of the sealing by reinforcing certain portions of the sealing element while decreasing the rigidity of the reinforcement for other portions.