Abstract: Provided is an oil ring (13) for a piston assembly that can minimize the frictional resistance without impairing the oil control function such as the scraping of lubricating oil from the cylinder wall surface by the oil ring. The oil ring consists of an upper side rail (16), a lower side rail (17) and an annular expander (18) interposed between the two side rails, and is received in an oil ring groove (8) with a prescribed vertical clearance (20) that permits tilting of the side rails. An outer peripheral surface (16E, 17E) of each side rail is provided with a radially inward slant. Therefore, during the upward stroke of the piston, the upper side rail tilts in the radially outward direction so that the effective slant angle of the outer peripheral surface of the upper side ring is adjusted to an optimum value.

Abstract: Disclosed is a piston ring (1) having a substrate (10) to which a wear resistant coating (20) is applied that includes at least one first element with a melting point Tm?700° C. The wear resistant coating (20) contains at least one second element with a melting point Tm>760° C. The wear resistant coating also includes droplets (30) which have a diameter (D) and which contain at least the first element, wherein at least 90% of the droplets (30) have a value 1 ?m?D?10 ?m. In the method for producing a wear resistant coating (20) using an arc evaporation technique, the target material includes at least one first element with a melting point Tm?700° C. and at least one second element with a melting point Tm>760° C., wherein the quantity of the second material contained in the target material is such that the melting point (Tm) of the target material ?1000° C.

Abstract: A cassette seal having an internal ring with a cylindrical portion; a cover portion radially projecting from the cylindrical portion, and a covering portion axially projecting from the cover portion, wherein the covering portion is radially spaced from the cylindrical portion, and an external ring with axial flange, and a radial flange projecting in the internal ring direction, with a sealing body of an elastomeric material associated with the axial flange, wherein from the sealing body sealing lips are formed, wherein a first sealing lip with radial preload sealingly rests against the cylindrical portion's outer circumference, wherein a second sealing lip axially projects from the radial flange and extends in the direction of the covering portion's side facing the cylindrical portion, wherein a third sealing lip axially projects beyond the radial flange and on the outer circumference at least partly projects beyond the covering portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a seal system comprising a stationary assembly having an angled profile, and a rotary assembly comprising a resiliently flexible rotary elastomeric member. When in a rest position, the rotary elastomeric member contacts the angled profile of the stationary assembly to seal a gap therebetween. On rotation of the rotary elastomeric member, the gap between the assemblies is opened to allow fluid flow therethrough.

Abstract: A mechanical seal includes an elastomeric member, a spring biasing member, a longitudinally floating first member, a longitudinally non-floating second member, a longitudinally floating third member and a longitudinally floating seal face. The elastomeric member is in sealing engagement with the seal face and the first and second members and the spring biasing member is longitudinally pointed between the seal face and the third member. The first and second members are longitudinally restrained and rotationally coupled by male longitudinally protruding portions engaging with female portions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a seal for sealing between a stator and rotor, including a generally annular carrier, an array of adjacent leaves mounted in the annular carrier for sealing between the stator and the rotor with their panes lying parallel to the axis of the carrier and front and back plates disposed on respective axial sides of the leaves, characterized in the front and back plates have one or more apertures dimensioned for providing a substantially symmetric pressure drop across the leaves.

Abstract: A butterfly valve for controlling gas flow is disclosed. The butterfly valve may include a valve body, the valve body defining a bore and a shaft configured for rotatable motion with respect to the valve body and including a shoulder. The butterfly valve may further include a disk housed within the bore, operatively coupled with the shaft, and configured to control gas flow through the bore based on a rotational position of the shaft relative to the valve body. The butterfly valve may further include a ball bearing operatively coupled with the shaft and including a ball and a race. The butterfly may further includes a spring configured to provide an axial force on the shaft, the axial force configured to press the shoulder of the shaft against the race of the ball bearing to prevent an outer edge of the disk from contacting an inner wall of the bore.

Abstract: A fluid valve includes a valve body having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet connected by a fluid passageway. A valve seat is disposed within the fluid passageway. A fluid control member is movably disposed within the fluid passageway, the fluid control member cooperating with a trim assembly to control fluid flow through the fluid passageway. The valve seat is clamped into the valve body and the fluid valve operates under choked flow at a pressure drop of 10% or less of the inlet fluid pressure.

Abstract: A rotary check valve is disclosed having sealing surfaces between two sealing members that engage with a rotating shearing motion. The rotating shearing motion may shear debris between the sealing members and minimize or eliminate blockage of fluid passageways in the sealing members. In a closed position, the upper sealing member and lower sealing member are rotated such that fluid passageways in the upper sealing member and fluid passageways in the lower sealing member are not aligned and blocked by the sealing surfaces. The sealing members of the rotary check valve may be biased to a closed position via a spring.

Abstract: A spool assembly is disclosed for use in a valve. The spool assembly may have a cylindrical body with a first end, a second end, and a bore passing from the first end through the second end. The spool assembly may also have a first insert with a first land slidably disposed inside the bore at the first end, and a second insert separate from the first insert. The second insert may have a second land slidably disposed inside the bore at the second end.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a valve apparatus for vehicles that is configured such that the sealability of a valve body can be markedly enhanced. The valve apparatus includes a valve body, a valve member and a sealing unit. The valve body is provided with at least two ports and has an internal space communicating with the ports. The valve member is rotatably installed in the internal space so as to open or close the ports. The sealing unit is provided to seal at least one of the ports. The sealing unit includes a sealing body airtightly installed on an inner surface of the corresponding port, and at least one elastic element integrally provided on a first end of the sealing body. The elastic element axially applies elastic force to the sealing body so that a second end of the sealing body comes into airtight contact with the valve member.

Abstract: An actuator device for a pressurized container incorporating an internal back flow prevention valve. The actuator may include a ball and socket check valve with a resilient component to maintain the ball in a condition to operate as a check valve even when upside-down.

Abstract: A valve includes a valve body and a handle operably connected to the valve body. The handle has a shut position that prevents fluid flow through the valve body and an open position that permits fluid flow through the valve body. A shut detent is configured to engage with the handle in the shut position, and the valve further includes structure for biasing the handle toward the open position.

Abstract: A valve including a double piston effect seat assembly with unidirectional lip seals is provided. In one embodiment, a valve includes a ball disposed in a cavity of a hollow valve body. The ball includes a flow port and is rotatable to control flow through the valve. The valve also includes a seat assembly having a seat in contact with the ball, a ring positioned on an opposite side of the seat from the ball, and unidirectional lip seals. The seat assembly is a double piston seat assembly, with the double piston effect provided by the arrangement of the seat, the ring, and the unidirectional lip seals. Additional valve systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present application relates to an electromagnetic valve, in particular for high-pressure cryogenic gas for a rocket. The valve includes a body in which a passage is formed connecting an inlet to an outlet, a seat communicating with the passage, a ball sealing the seat when the valve is at rest, a magnetic circuit with a coil, a magnetic shell, and a plunger displacing the ball relative to the seat thereof in order to open and/or close the seat. The plunger is telescopic, i.e., extendable and retractable. The plunger includes two ferromagnetic portions that are movable relative to one another and relative to the passage. The portions are fitted one inside the other and define air gaps E2 and E3 therebetween. The valve includes a magnet and a spring on either side of a secondary portion to hold the secondary portion in the closed position, distancing a ball from the exhaust seat.

Abstract: A cavitation reactor having a pulse valve for receiving an input fluid flow and generating a pulsed output flow that is provided to the input of a resonance chamber, such as a tube. The pulse valve uses a shaft with a number of regularly spaced lands to form fluid conduits between an input port and the output port connected to the resonance tube to cause fluid communication between the input and output ports to be regularly opened and closed, thereby producing a pulsed output that drives the formation of resonance waves in the resonance chamber. The shaft is rotated at a suitable frequency to produce cavitation bubbles that collapse in the resonance chamber without damaging the valve shaft.

Abstract: Fluidic diodes are disclosed that have a housing defining an inlet and an outlet and a divided fluid passageway therebetween defined by mirror image partitions generally tear-drop shaped spaced apart a first distance from one another by a constant width primary fluid pathway with the tip thereof pointed generally toward the outlet and spaced apart a second distance from an interior wall of the housing to define a constant width secondary fluid pathway. Fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet is through the primary fluid pathway with some additional flow through the secondary fluid pathways joining the primary fluid pathway proximate the outlet for flow together in the same direction, and fluid flow from the outlet to the inlet through the secondary fluid pathways exits the secondary fluid pathways into the primary fluid pathway, proximate the inlet, in a direction substantially opposite the flow in the primary fluid pathway.

Abstract: A check valve (100) that opens and closes by causing a valve element (112) to come into contact with and separate from a valve seat (104) and thereby controls a flow of fluid that flows in through an inlet (101) and flows out through an outlet (102). The check valve (100) has: the inlet (101) provided at a downside thereof; the outlet (102) provided at an upside thereof; the valve seat (104) formed to surround the inlet (101); the valve element (112) configured to be able to come into contact with and separate from the valve seat (104) vertically; and a guide portion (105) that has a fluid guide surface (118) horizontally guiding a fluid flowing in through the inlet (101), and a valve element guide surface (111) provided on a side surface thereof, the valve element guide surface (111) vertically guiding the valve element.

Abstract: A drain valve has a housing defining a drain conduit for the passage of fluids to be drained, the drain conduit having a first rim defining an inlet to the drain conduit opposite a second rim defining an outlet from the drain conduit. One or more non-return valves are within the drain conduit between the first rim and the second rim and have a closed configuration and an open configuration adapted to allow fluids to flow through the outlet of the drain conduit. A vent conduit extends within the drain conduit and comprises internally a lower valve seat, an upper valve seat and a bypass valve positioned between the lower valve seat and the upper valve seat. The bypass valve is adapted to allow gas to bypass the one or more non-return valves and escape to atmosphere when the gas reaches a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: An inflation valve for inflating containers with non-rigid walls comprising a tubular body defining a passage with a first opening at one end and a second opening at its opposite end, adapted to be secured to a container; a sealing disc adapted to sealingly close off the second opening to the passage in the tubular body, and adapted to open the second opening mechanically when an inflation device is inserted into the passage through the first opening and thus gas may be passed into the container through the second opening, thereby moving the sealing disc away from the second opening; a guide member located within the passage of the tubular body; a spring adapted to assist the sealing disc to close off the second opening; and a gasket and/or sealing ring adapted to assist the sealing disc to close off the second opening.

Abstract: A plug system is provided. The plug system may comprise an adapter having an annular body oriented about an axis, a passage defined by the annular body, and a retention feature protruding radially from the annular body. The retention feature may be configured to obstruct the passage. A threaded surface may at least partially define an outer diameter of the annular body. A fuse plug may be configured for insertion into the passage, and the retention feature may be configured to at least partially retain the fuse plug.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve housing having an internal generally cup-shaped bore, a valve control cartridge inserted into the bore and having a rotatable control stem extending upwardly therefrom, and a bonnet nut having a through-bore. The bonnet nut is threaded to the valve housing such that the control stem extends through the through-bore. Flexible fingers are provided along the through-bore to control a level of resistance to a rotation of the rotatable control stem. The stem is positioned to frictionally engage the flexible fingers as the stem is rotated.

Abstract: A pilot actuator is disclosed for use with a valve. The pilot actuator may have a cage with a base end and a tip end, and a pilot bore formed in the cage. The pilot actuator may also have a supply port, a drain port, a first end port, and a second end port each formed in the cage and intersecting with the pilot bore. The pilot actuator may further have a pilot spool slidingly disposed in the pilot bore and movable to selectively connect the supply port and the drain port with the first and second end ports, a follower separate from the cage and disposed at the tip end of the cage, and at least one spring operatively connecting the follower to the cage and to the pilot spool.

Abstract: A solenoid valve for controlling fluids includes: a closing element, which opens and closes at least one outlet opening on a valve seat; a magnetic circuit having an armature, an internal pole and a magnetic return path; and a coil. The armature is connected to the closing element. The magnetic circuit includes (i) a nonmagnetic separating element for interrupting the magnetic circuit and (ii) a magnetic choke device closing the magnetic circuit on the nonmagnetic separating element, which magnetic choke device is a separate individual component which is fixed using a form-locking and/or a force-locking connection.

Abstract: A latching solenoid gate valve is disclosed, and includes a housing defining a conduit having a flow path therethrough and a cavity separating the conduit into a first section and a second section. The latching solenoid assembly also includes a gate assembly enclosed within the cavity of the housing and a first solenoid assembly and a second solenoid assembly seated within the cavity with the gate assembly linearly translatable therebetween. The gate assembly includes a first gate member comprising magnetizable material and defining an opening therethrough. The first gate member is linearly movable within the cavity between an open position with the opening aligned with the conduit and a closed position with the opening out of alignment with the conduit. The first gate member is moved linearly from either the open position or the closed position.

Abstract: Provided is a hydraulic valve including a valve body having a first port, a second port, and a pilot port, and a piston movable in the valve body to an open position by a pilot pressure flowing through the pilot port that acts on a portion of the piston to move the piston away from a valve seat in the body to allow fluid flow between the first and second ports. The piston is then movable to the closed position by a resilient member in the absence of the pilot pressure. In this way, during an event such as a power failure of a vehicle when the pilot pressure is unavailable, the valve is closed to prevent fluid draining from a hydraulic function to prevent movement of the function without using a mechanical locking device.

Abstract: High Integrity Pressure Protecting Systems (HIPPS), wherein the HIPPS has an ON/OFF valve with a housing, wherein the housing has an inlet and an outlet, and a conduit for passage of a fluid from the inlet to the outlet, and with a closure element, wherein in an open position the closure element opens the conduit for allowing the passage, and in a closing position the closure element closes the conduit for inhibiting the passage, and a hydraulic actuator, having a control element that is fixated at the closure element, and a switchable hydraulic supply unit, which in an active state supplies a control face of the control element with a control pressure, and in a passive state releases the control pressure from the control face, a sensor measuring a pressure of the fluid downstream from the outlet, and a logic solver that compares the downstream pressure to a critical value.

Abstract: A pressure relief comprises a valve body which includes an inlet bore that is connectable to a flow line, an outlet bore that is connectable to a vent line and a valve bore that extends to between the inlet and outlet bores. A valve member is slidably supported in the valve bore and is moveable between a closed position in which the fluid in the flow line is prevented from flowing from the inlet bore to the outlet bore and an open position in which the fluid in the flow line is permitted to flow from the inlet bore to the outlet bore. A solenoid operated pilot valve is connected to the valve body over the valve bore, and a fluid chamber is located in the pilot valve above the valve member. The fluid chamber is filled with a hydraulic fluid, and the hydraulic fluid in the fluid chamber is operatively engaged with the valve member.

Abstract: Example valve stem and plug connections and example staking tools are described herein. An example apparatus includes a valve plug having a first side, a second side opposite the first side and a bore extending from the first side to the second side. A first portion of the bore is tapered from a first diameter to a second diameter smaller than the first diameter. A valve stem is disposed within the bore of the valve plug. The valve stem includes a first section, a second section and a third section between the first and second sections. The third section is tapered from a third diameter to a fourth diameter smaller than the third diameter. The tapers of the first portion of the valve plug and the third section of the valve stem, when engaged, create a frictional force that resists movement of the valve stem out of the bore.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to monitor health information of a valve are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a parameter calculator to calculate an operational value for a health parameter of a valve, a difference calculator to calculate a difference between the operational value for the health parameter and a baseline value for the health parameter, and an alert generator to generate an alert to identify a condition of the valve based on the difference.

Abstract: A valved tap is disclosed comprising a tap body having a through bore from a threaded input end to an output end thereof. A ball valve is positioned in the tap body so as to interrupt the flow of fluid in the through bore. The output end of the tap body comprises a flanged portion connectable to a manifold.

Abstract: An underwater pipe assembly includes a first pipe having a first collar and a first flange, a second pipe having a second collar and a second flange, and a connector apparatus including at least two first clamp seats, at least two first fasteners, at least two second clamp seats, at least two second fasteners. The first clamp seats are interconnected by the first fasteners to surround a junction of the first collar and the first flange. The second clamp seats are interconnected by the second fasteners to surround a junction of the second collar and the second flange. A plurality of connecting fasteners interconnect the first and second clamp seats, thereby clamping the first and second flanges between the first and second clamp seats.

Abstract: A headset cord holder comprises a body and a first groove built into the body configured to receive and releasably hold a headset cord. In some embodiments, the first groove has a diameter less than or equal to approximately 2 mm. In further embodiments, the body is integrally formed within the teeth of a zipper. In some embodiments the body comprises one or more of rubber, plastic and metal. In some embodiments, the body comprises one or more of stamped metal and molded metal. In further embodiments, the body comprises molded plastic. In some embodiments, the body comprises one or more additional grooves configured to receive and releasably secure the headset cord.

Abstract: The invention relates to a press seal (1) for building up a sealing closure of a through-opening intersected by a line, having an elastomer body (2), a press plate (3a) and a tensioning bolt (4) intersecting the elastomer body (2), wherein the press plate (3a) can be pressed by said tensioning bolt (4) onto said elastomer body (2); the tensioning bolt (4) is screwed into a nut (20) around a rotational axis (21), a section (20a) of said nut (20), which section (20a) lies proximal to said elastomer body (2), being held by a form-fit in a recess in said press plate (3a) and being secured against a rotational movement around said rotational axis (21) thus, a section (20b) of said nut (20), which section 20b lies distal to said elastomer body (2), comprising a flange which protrudes beyond said recess in directions perpendicular to said rotational axis (21) outwards for transferring a force onto said press plate (3a) and pressing said press plate (3a) onto said elastomer body (2) when said tensioning bolt (4) is t

Abstract: Methods and devices related to multi-layer tubular conduit are disclosed. The method of making the multi-layer tubular conduit includes providing a hermetically sealed metal tube, inserting a thermoplastic conduit within the tube, and surrounding the exterior of the tube with an overjacket. The multi-layer tubular conduit device includes three layers: a layer of thermaplastic conduit, a layer of hermetically sealed metal tube, and a layer of overjacket. The three layers are arranged coaxially such that they share a common central axis. The method of use includes installing a multi-layer tubular conduit device in a public or non-public environment. The multi-layer tubular conduit offers mechanical protection from harsh and/or hostile environments while still offering the flexibility of traditional conduit.

Abstract: A composite tube comprises a first tube section 100 and a second tube section, at least one of which is of fiber reinforced composite form, a mating interface being provided on each of the first and second tube sections, each of the respective mating interfaces having an interfering portion to create an interference fit between the first and second tube sections when the composite tube is assembled, each of the mating interfaces being configured with a recess the recesses being alignable with one another, during assembly, to define a combined recess when the composite tube is assembled, into which a hardened settable compound can be disposed during assembly to form an internal locking element that assists the interference fit by mechanically securing together the first and second tube sections.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pipe that has a plurality of layers including a main pipe body with opposite inner and outer circumferential surfaces. The pipe further includes an inner layer with an outer circumferential surface that is in integral face-to-face contact with the inner circumferential surface of the main pipe body. The inner layer is formed from a synthetic resin that is more abrasion resistant than the main pipe body.

Abstract: A connection of two pipes each including a liner. Liner sections connected to the liners are sections joined together forming a joint of the liner sections. An electrofusion coupling may overlie the joint of the liner sections and be used to fuse the joint. A collar may be positioned to overlie the joint of the liner sections. A bushing may be positioned between the joint of the liner sections and the collar. Hubs may be connected to the ends of the pipes. The liner sections and hubs may include corresponding structure which resists movement of the liner sections away from the joint of the liner sections. A connection of two pipes each including a liner may be formed according to disclosed methods.

Abstract: A fitting for a pipe is disclosed. It includes a main body for internally accommodating the pipe, fastening means able to be tightened to the main body, a deformable annular sealing gasket and a blocking ring nut which can be positioned within the fitting between the main body and the fastening means, respectively, to ensure the sealing of, and block in firm position, the pipe, at least when the fastening means are tightened to the main body, the blocking ring nut being elastically deformable in radial direction. The fitting also has means for retaining in a widened position at least the mouth section of the annular sealing gasket, with an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the pipe.

Abstract: A fitting includes a hollow body, a sealing member, and a draw mechanism. The fitting mechanism includes a primary actuation element coupled with the body at a first end, and a plurality of secondary actuation elements coupled to the sealing member. The plurality of secondary actuation elements are positioned in an interior of the hollow body and circumferentially spaced from each other. The plurality of secondary actuation elements are also engaged with the primary actuation element such that actuation of the primary actuation element draws the plurality of secondary actuation elements axially towards the opening at the first end of the hollow body thereby translating the sealing member from an open position to a sealing position.

Abstract: Provided is a pipe clamp for clamping the joint portion of pipes. The pipe clamp includes a body including a first body, which is hingedly coupled at an upper portion thereof to a link and is provided at a lower portion thereof with a fastening protrusion, the fastening protrusion having therein a fitting groove and a threaded hole connected to the fitting groove, and a second body, which is hingedly coupled at an upper portion thereof to the link and is hingedly coupled at a lower portion thereof to a fastening screw, the link hingedly coupled to the upper portions of the first and second bodies, the fastening screw coupled to the lower portion of the second body, a fastening bar, which is provided at one side thereof with a nut, and which is provided on an outer surface thereof with a thread and is provided therein with a threaded hole, and hinge pins for hingedly coupling the fastening screw and the link to the body.

Abstract: A gap sub assembly and methods for using the gap sub provide an electrical isolating joint that is mechanically strong enough to withstand the rigors of drilling environments, resistant to environmental effects (heat, corrosive liquids and gases, and high pressures), and maintainable. The gap sub assembly provides a male member and a female member that may be connected together, wherein a non-conductive material is applied between the two at the attachment points. A locking ring or collar affixes to both male and female members to prevent back off while drilling and preserving the electrical isolation of the gap joint. Non-conductive material may be injected between the locking ring and one or more of the male or female members.

Abstract: Each detecting leg includes a detection portion provided on the end side of the detecting leg to protrude inward in the diametric direction, and contacting with an annular boss at an initial position, and a push-in inhibition portion provided in the detecting leg on the side of a base from the detection portion, locked in the push-in direction to a connector body in a state where the detecting leg does not bend to the inner side in the axial direction at the initial position, and put in such a state as being not locked in the push-in direction to the connector body in a state where the detecting leg bends to the inner side in the axial direction.

Abstract: Mechanically-retained sealing disks for use with fluid regulators are disclosed. In some examples, an apparatus includes a disk holder having an inner surface. In some examples, the apparatus includes a disk gasket coupled to the inner surface of the disk holder. In some examples, the apparatus includes a sealing disk positioned in the disk holder. In some examples, the sealing disk has a front side including a sealing surface, and a back side located opposite the front side. In some examples, the back side of the sealing disk in positioned adjacent the disk gasket. In some examples, the apparatus includes a disk retainer coupled to the disk holder. In some examples, the disk retainer is to retain the sealing disk in the disk holder.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an aeration hose capable of diffusing bubbles of air within a body of water, comprising a) a hose portion derived from a composition, comprising a polyvinyl chloride resin; a first rubber component; a second rubber component; at least one copolymer; at least one low temperature plasticizer; at least one filler comprising copper dioxide; at least one heat stabilizer; at least one internal lubricant; at least one antioxidant; and at least one biofouling agent, wherein the hose portion comprises an outer hose portion, an inner hose portion and a plurality of hose apertures capable of receiving and diffusing pressurized air, wherein the hose is flexible and has no memory, and wherein the hose apertures are provided therethrough the inner hose portion and the outer hose portion and proportionally spaced about the outer hose portion along a length of the hose portion.

Abstract: A pipe insulation product including a core of insulating material and a laminate. The core includes a cylindrical outer surface; a cylindrical inner surface; and a wall extending between the cylindrical outer surface and the cylindrical inner surface. The laminate includes a metallized polymeric film sheet layer forming an inner layer, a scrim, a porous media sheet layer, and a polymeric film sheet layer forming an outer exposed layer bonded together via an adhesive. The laminate is coextensive with and bonded to the cylindrical outer surface of the core and the laminate and core are flexible so that the core and laminate can be opened, placed about a pipe, and closed without degrading the laminate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a preformed insulating layer having a flat web of metal foil having a plurality of spaced generally X-shaped protuberances deformed from the web. Each protuberance has a length dimension, a width dimension, and a height dimension, the length dimension and the width dimension define a ratio of from 1:1 to 4:1. A uniform gap is left around each protuberance and is from about ?? to about ½?.

Abstract: A mobile device support is provided herein. The support may include a support element having a support surface having first and second longitudinal ends, the support surfacing supporting a mobile device that operably rests thereon. The support may include a base connected to the support element. The base may be operable to rest on an underlying surface defining a contact plane. The base stably positions the support element holding the mobile device. The support surface defines a gap that interrupts the support surface between the longitudinal ends. The gap opens laterally with respect to the support surface, while providing a clearance above the base that is sufficiently large to enable a user to insert at least a finger into the gap between the longitudinal ends and between the base and the mobile device. The gap allows the user to directly grasp the mobile device from both a face up side and a face down side when the mobile device rests on the support surface.

Abstract: A positionable lift stand includes a support structure defining a first positioning hole, a sliding member slidably engaged with the support structure and defines a second positioning hole, an elastic member, and a fixing member. The elastic member is connected between the support structure and the sliding member, while provides a restoring force enabling the sliding member to move against the support structure. The fixing member passes through the first positioning hole of the support structure and the second positioning hole of the sliding member. By utilizing the fixing member and various positioning holes associated with the lift stand, the lift stand can be fixedly held to occupy the least amount of space for packaging or storing purpose. Such attribute is achieved by using fewer parts and processing steps, which means fewer parts need to be manufactured, more cost savings, and less assembling time.

Abstract: A camera crane tractor includes first and second spaced apart and parallel wheel decks on a chassis. The tractor has left and right side treads supported on tread rollers on the chassis, and a motor for driving the treads. One or more angled wheel guide strips may be provided on each of the wheel decks, to guide the wheels of a mobile base rolling onto the wheel decks. The wheel guide strips may have an angle complimentary to an angled sidewall of the wheels of the mobile base. Wheels stops are positioned at the ends of the wheel decks to prevent longitudinal movement of the mobile base after it is loaded onto the tractor. Threaded holes may be provided in the chassis between the wheel decks to allow the mobile base to be clamped down onto the tractor.