Abstract: Improved support systems, including seismic isolation platforms, tracks and flooring systems are disclosed for protecting a payload, for example, data center racks containing delicate computer equipment such as a hard disk drive, from damage due to vibrations such as seismic vibrations and the like. The systems are modular in design, and can be assembled and changed quickly, while being strong and robust enough to support heavy loads.

Abstract: A load support system includes an elongate support member that includes, toward a first end, a first portion for direct earth burial and further includes, toward a second end, a second portion to which the load can be coupled. A lateral support, mounted about the first portion has a diameter greater than the elongate support member and a length less than the first portion. At least one first helix is formed about the first portion. The load support system may have a load positioning system including a housing that supports attachment of the load. The housing is sized to receive therein a second helix formed about the second portion and includes a follower assembly configured to contact the second helix to impart rotation as the housing is raised and lowered. The load positioning system further includes an actuator configured to telescopically raise and lower the housing.

Abstract: A deployable boom structure is provided that, in one embodiment, includes one or more perforated tapes, a drive mechanism with a sprocket mechanism for engaging each of the perforated tapes to transition the tapes between an undeployed state and a deployed state, and three battens that each extend between the tapes. At least one of the battens is a sliding batten, i.e., a batten that engages each of the tapes but through which each of the tapes can slide. Lanyards and detents cooperate to fix the location of a sliding batten relative to the tapes after a predetermined length of each of the tapes has slid through the batten. In a particular embodiment, the deployable boom structure is coupled with a solar blanket that can be Z-folded.

Abstract: A support post structure comprising an elongated impact drive tube having a longitudinally extending bore open at a distal end of the tube, an elongated stake member having a guide section slidably mounted within the bore and further having a ground penetrating elongated head section extending longitudinally outward from the distal end of the drive tube, wherein the head section in cross-section has a channel configuration with a web base and parallel upstanding side walls, the head section has a driven lateral shoulder adapted for being downwardly impacted by the distal end of the tube on the down stroke of the tube, and wherein the head section is wedge shaped with the point of the wedge on the distal end of the web base and with the lateral driven shoulder on upper portions of the channel sides at a proximal end of the head section.

Abstract: A system for raising a mast includes a primary cylinder and an actuator. The primary cylinder has a first end coupled to the mast and a second end coupled to a lifting base. The primary cylinder actuates from a retracted position to an extended position to at least partially raise the mast. The actuator actuates from a retracted position to an extended position to at least partially raise the mast, thereby moving the first end of the primary cylinder or the second end of the primary cylinder toward a pivot point between the mast and the lifting base.

Abstract: A connecting member acts as a seam connecting the side panels and the top panels of a tent. The tent side panels define a keder for engagement with a first channel of the connecting member. The top panels also define a keder for engagement with a second channel of the connecting member. The user inserts an end of the side keder into the corresponding first channel of the connecting member. Once the end of the side keder is engaged by the connecting member, the connecting member is horizontally pushed toward the opposite end of the side panel until the connecting member reaches the opposite end of the side panel. The user then inserts an end of the top keder into the corresponding second channel of the connecting member. The second channel of the connecting member (along with the side wall) is horizontally pushed along the top keder until the channel is in receipt of the entire length of the top keder.

Abstract: A collapsible vehicle cover, which is positioned in a parking spot, garage or carport, is a retractable cover to protect a vehicle from the elements. The collapsible vehicle cover includes a front member, a rear member, a first hinged leg, a second hinged leg, a plurality of cross supports, a pair of cross support straps and a cover sheet. The front member, the rear member, the first hinged leg and the second hinged leg delineate a base supporting a framework of the plurality of cross supports and the pair of cross support straps. The cover sheet is fixed to the front member and the rear member while being supported by the plurality of cross supports and the pair of cross support straps. The cover sheet protects the vehicle from precipitation, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and other hazards when the collapsible vehicle cover is configured into an expanded configuration around a vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed are eave structures and tent frames with integrated eave structures. A tent frame includes supporting poles, an upper frame coupled with the supporting poles, and two or more eave structures. An eave structure includes an eave pole, and a sleeve member disposed at a connector coupled with a supporting pole. The eave pole has a first end portion pivotally connected with an upper pole of the upper frame, and a second end portion slidably coupled with the sleeve member. The eave structures can be folded and unfolded together with the supporting poles and the upper frame. When unfolded, the eave poles of the eave structures extend beyond the upper frame.

Abstract: A tent includes a tent cloth, first coupling pieces disposed spatially around a middle portion of the tent cloth, and second coupling pieces disposed spatially around a lower portion of the tent cloth. The tent also includes an upper support and side supports. The upper support includes a first connector disposed at the upper portion of the tent cloth, and upper poles coupled with the first connector and the first coupling pieces. Each side support includes a second connector disposed at the lower portion of the tent cloth between two adjacent second coupling pieces, and three side poles each coupled with the second connector at one end portion and with a corresponding first coupling piece or one of the two adjacent second coupling pieces at the other end portion.

Abstract: A pickproof lock has a hollow housing, a lock shaft and a sleeve mounted in the housing, multiple axial pin sets mounted in the lock shaft and the sleeve, and at least one radial pin set mounted in the housing and the lock shaft. When unlocking the pickproof lock, the key is able to push the axial pin sets and the at least one radial pin set to unlocking positions, so as to drive the lock shaft to rotate and to unlock the pickproof lock. The complexity of the pickproof lock is increased. People with bad intentions are unable to unlock the pickproof lock with a lock picking tool, such as a round tube. Accordingly, personal goods or private matters can be safely protected by the pickproof lock.

Abstract: A lock including a lock cylinder, at least one sensing module and a processing unit is provided. The lock cylinder is adapted for allowing a unlocking unit to insert therein along an inserting direction. The at least one sensing module detects a movement of the lock cylinder. The processing unit electrically connected to the at least one sensing module. The sensing module generates a sensing signal to the processing unit according to the movement of the lock cylinder.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a tamper-evident cargo container seal bolt lock are disclosed herein. The device can include a bolt member having a conductive medium running the axial length of the bolt, and a receiving member for locking the bolt into place. A battery-driven sensory circuit including a memory means, a processor, and a timing circuit can be disposed within the receiving member such that a continuous circuit is formed from one circuit pin over the conductive medium through the length of the bolt and back to a second pin. The sensory circuit is configured to sense whether the circuit has been interrupted (e.g., if the bolt has been cut). In the event of an interruption, the circuit can record the time and/or date in memory. This information can then be transmitted to an RFID reader/interrogator if a dispute arises as to when the lock had been broken.

Abstract: A door lock assembly for use with a door having a frame element that includes a main body and a pair of opposed sides that forms a channel therebetween. One of the sides of the main body has a connector portion. The assembly also includes a movable locking assembly that is coupled to the connector portion of the frame element and has one or more elongated locking elements that is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The assembly also includes a latch assembly configured for coupling a door to a door frame, and if desired an actuator assembly.

Abstract: A padlock for securing and monitoring a switch of an industrial plant has a lock housing of plastic, furthermore a hoop which is displaceably held at the lock housing and a lock cylinder which is arranged in the lock housing and can selectively be brought from an open position into a locked position to lock the hoop to the lock housing. An RFID transponder is arranged in the lock housing. A securing and monitoring system for a switch of an industrial plant includes at least one such padlock and a mobile RFID reading device or an RFID reading device permanently attached in the environment of the switch, said RFID reading device being configured to read out the RFID transponder of the padlock.

Abstract: A point of sale assembly having antitheft functionality. A sealed consumer product package has a face with at least one opening extending into the sealed consumer product package. A consumer product is positioned inside the sealed consumer product package. A lock having a sensor and a body that is positioned outside the sealed consumer product package. The lock has at least one locking arm extending into the opening of the sealed consumer product package and secured to the consumer product.

Abstract: A remotely activatable custody control belt is worn by prisoners, inmates, and detainees. The remotely activatable custody control belt deters whomever is wearing the remotely activatable custody control belt from aggressive or hostile actions against law enforcement officers, corrections officers, other prisoners, or bystanders. The remotely activatable custody control belt includes a belt, a belt fastener, a fastener receiver, at least one warning-signal device, a non-lethal electroshock device, a wireless transceiver, and a first microcontroller. The belt is fastened around the prisoner through the belt fastener and the fastener receiver. The at least one warning-signal device alerts the wearer to comply with verbal commands or of an imminent emission from the non-lethal electroshock device. The corrections officer alerts the wearer through a signal from a remote-control device. The signal is received through the wireless transceiver and processed through the first microcontroller.

Abstract: The invention relates to a locking device, in particular for a motor vehicle, having a catch mechanism and a coupling device for connecting to a motor drive. The coupling device comprises a coupling lever, which by virtue of a plurality of engagement lugs is able to pivot a coupling lever. The engagement lugs can be detected in succession by the coupling lever and are arranged in this respect one behind the other. The invention further relates to a plastics component for the locking device. An engagement lug is formed by an element protruding from a main face of the coupling lever in order to simplify production and to keep material costs and installation space to a minimum.

Abstract: A vehicle handle device includes a handle base, an operation portion that is rotatably connected to the handle base, a cable device that includes an outer cable and an inner cable inserted into the outer cable and transmits operating force to a door lock device of a vehicle, a cable connection unit mounted to a tip end of the outer cable, a unit case that is provided in the cable connection unit, and a cam portion that is provided in the unit case.

Abstract: A latch system for vehicle doors includes a powered latch including a powered actuator that is configured to unlatch the powered latch. An interior unlatch input feature such as an unlatch switch can be actuated by a user to provide an unlatch request. The system may include a controller that is operably connected to the powered actuator of the powered latch. The controller is configured such that it does not unlatch the powered latch if a vehicle speed is greater than a predefined value unless the interior latch feature is actuated at least two times according to predefined criteria.

Abstract: A motor vehicle comprising side doors, a bonnet and a boot lid, power-operated key-cylinder-less locks associated with all the side doors, a power-operated lock associated with the boot lid, a key-cylinder lock associated with the bonnet, and an electronic control system configured to sense operation of the key-cylinder lock by means of a mechanical key and, upon determining a specific operation of the key-cylinder lock by means of a mechanical key, responsively unlock one or more of the power-operated key-cylinder-less locks.

Abstract: A combination sash lock and tilt latch in one integral fastener may suitably secure a sash window that is slidable and tiltable with respect to a master window frame. The fastener includes a lock assembly and latch assembly. The lock assembly is releasably mounted upon the meeting rail of the sash window without screws, using legs received within corresponding openings in the rail. The lock assembly is secured thereto by a biasing member causing engagement between the legs and rail openings. The lock assembly includes a pivotable cam to releasably engage a keeper on the master frame, and a pivotable arm extending into the meeting rail. The latch assembly includes biasing means and a latch member, which includes a fixed funnel member and a flexible funnel member on a distal end of a flexible beam, to blindly engage the lock assembly arm within the meeting rail, when installed therein.

Abstract: A method of operating a window having a sash and a window opening limit device includes moving the sash from a closed position to a limited position. When in the limited position, the window opening limit device is in a projected position, and the sash is engaged with the window opening limit device. Moving the window opening limit device to a retracted position disengages the sash and the window opening limit device. The sash may then be moved from the limited position to an open range. When the sash is returned to the closed position, the window opening limit device automatically returns to the projected position, and the sash is disengaged with the window opening limit device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lock device, comprising a housing including a lock hook mounted in the housing, the lock hook pivotally moves to and away from a lock hook locked position; a locking slider for locking the lock hook, the locking slider having a locking slider first end which abuts against an axial surface of the lock hook, the locking slider is reciprocatingly slideable in a first direction parallel to the lock hook pivoting plane following pivoting of the lock hook to move to or away from a locking slider locked position; a slider locking device for locking the locking slider, the slider locking device is reciprocating slideable in a second direction following the reciprocatingly sliding of the locking slider in the first direction, the second direction crosses the lock hook pivoting plane. The present invention further relates to an apparatus mounted with the lock device.

Abstract: A tailgate lock system comprising a security lock for a tailgate hinge assembly, wherein the tailgate hinge assembly comprises a fixed cup portion and a rotating portion arranged to rotate about a hinge axis relative to the fixed cup portion, an adapter configured to extend between the security lock and the tailgate hinge assembly, the adapter having an inside surface having a first portion configured to engage the rotating portion of the hinge assembly and a second portion configured to radially overlap the fixed cup portion of the hinge assembly, whereby selective rotation about the hinge axis causes rotation of the adapter and the security lock about the hinge axis.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to enhance stiffness of a cable end without increasing the size of the cable end. A first retaining protrusion (35b) is provided on the tip side of a second roller pin (35) so as to protrude from the second roller pin (35) in a radially outward direction of the second roller pin (35), a cable end (40) is formed with an insertion hole (43) including an arc-shaped second inner wall (43b), the first retaining protrusion (35b) being allowed to pass through the insertion hole (43). A bush (50) is provided with: a notch (51a) which exposes the second inner wall (43b) to the outside, the first retaining protrusion (35b) being allowed to pass through the notch (51a); and a cylindrical main body (51) which covers a first inner wall (43a), the first retaining protrusion (35b) abutting on the main body (51) in a radial direction of the second roller pin (35).

Abstract: A slide and swing leaf/sash system includes a floor rail profile and a ceiling rail profile which are each C-shaped and in which at least two leaves/sashes arranged therebetween are displaceably guided, which leaves/sashes are mounted at least in each case by at least one carriage in the floor rail profile in such a way that, in the swiveled-in state of the leaves/sashes, the weight load of the leaves/sashes is completely absorbed by the floor rail profile. At least one lateral outlet opening for releasing a leaf/sash is arranged in the floor rail profile, a lifting runner, which is arranged above the floor rail profile, being mounted on at least one leaf/sash, a ramp element being arranged on the floor rail adjacent to at least one outlet opening and interacting with the lifting runner in such a way that the leaf/sash is raised on passing the ramp element.

Abstract: A vehicle sliding door brake assembly configured for attachment to a sliding door mechanism of a vehicle may include a brake member connectable to the sliding door mechanism and configured to rotate about a pivot point, the brake member comprising one or more brake portions for selectively engaging a track of the vehicle so as to provide a braking force. The brake portions may be configured to form an inertial counterweight that urges the brake member to move from a neutral position in which the brake portions are not engaged with the track to an engaged position in which one or more of the brake portions are engaged with the track when a sliding door of the vehicle is subjected to an acceleration exceeding a threshold.

Abstract: A pump handle system includes a pump handle and a main shaft. The pump handle is operable to radially pivot from a starting position in a first pivot direction and back to the starting position in a second pivot direction opposite the first pivot direction. The main shaft is driven by the pump handle to rotate approximately a first half of a predetermined rotational distance in a first rotational direction a first time the pump handle is pivoted out from the starting position in the first pivot direction, and rotate approximately a second half of the predetermined rotational distance in the first rotational direction a first time the pump handle is pivoted back to the starting position in the second pivot direction. The main shaft rotates in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction a second time the pump handle is pivoted in the two-movement push-pull motion.

Abstract: Power window operators and windows incorporating the power window operators are described herein. The power window operators include both a guide pin and guide pin slot, as well as a pivot pin and pivot pin slot to control movement of an operator arm.

Abstract: A door drive device for a door of a wagon, including at least one door panel mount displaceable along a first spatial axis substantially vertical to the plane of a door panel mounted on the at least one door panel mount and along a second spatial axis extending substantially horizontal in use and substantially vertical to the first spatial axis, a drive motor and a spindle which may be rotated by means of the drive motor. It is provided, that a displacement of the at least one door panel mount along the first and/or second spatial axis is effected by means of a guide fork being displaceable by an associated spindle nut slidably engaged with the guide fork, wherein the spindle nut is driven by rotation of a spindle and wherein the spindle and the drive motor are fixed with respect to the wagon.

Abstract: A control system for providing Cloud based commands to a garage door includes one or more Cloud servers for receiving commands from at least one mobile web enabled user device. A load balancer is used for receiving communication from a server for distributing commands from at least one web enabled device to the Cloud. A server based garage door opener is used for receiving commands and controlling operation of a garage door from the server. The status of the garage door is determined by measuring a distance of the garage door to the garage floor using a distance measuring device such that distance measuring information is communicated to the server for determining the open or closed status of the garage door before movement.

Abstract: A system for automatically synchronizing window openings and closings of multiple windows of a vehicle. The system includes a first actuator and a second actuator configured to move a first window and a second window to respective closed positions. The system includes a window control unit configured to receive, at a first time, an indication to close the first window at a first closing rate. The window control unit is configured to receive, at a second time, an indication to close the second window at a second closing rate. The window control unit is configured to adjust at least one of the first closing rate or the second closing rate, from a standard rate to an adjusted rate, when the first time and the second time are within a threshold time, such that the first window and the second window achieve their respective closed positions simultaneously.

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

Abstract: An encapsulated glass assembly includes a glass panel and a plastic frame and a clip. The frame has at least three frame sides and has a lower wall portion extending from an outer wall surface along each of the at least three frame sides. The clip has a C-shaped clip channel and is coupled to a first frame side of the frame such that a portion of the panel is retained within the C-shaped clip channel. An optional clip can be coupled to a second frame side. The plastic frame can alternatively include a C-shaped channel on the second frame side, wherein another portion of the panel is retained within the C-shaped channel. An encapsulant is bonded onto the panel, the frame, and the clip to secure the frame to the panel. The encapsulant has a Shore hardness less than the Shore hardness of the frame.

Abstract: An apparatus including a receiving channel and a locking clip for securing a folding door in a closed configuration. The receiving channel is mounted to a side of a door frame associated with a closed configuration of the folding door. The locking clip is mounted to the leading edge of the folding door. The locking clip includes sides that extend past sides of the leading edge of the folding door so as to create a ledge on each side thereof. The receiving channel includes cleats on inner walls thereof. The cleats engage the ledges to secure the locking clip within the receiving channel in a closed configuration. The locking clip may be mounted to a center of the leading edge. The receiving channel may traverse substantially the height of the door frame.

Abstract: A tilt latch system that comprises an actuator movable from a first position to a second position; a lock-out member movable from a retracted position to an extended position upon movement of the actuator from the first position to the second position; and an engagement member movable from an engaged position to a disengaged position upon movement of the actuator from the first position to the second position is provided. The actuator and the engagement member are maintained in the second and disengaged positions, respectively, when the lock-out member is in the extended position. The actuator and the engagement member are automatically biased to the first position and the engaged position, respectively, upon movement of the lock-out member from the extended to the retracted position. The tilt latch system may further comprise a lock-out device and/or be optionally utilized in a modular configuration.

Abstract: A spacer member, for allowing a walkable skylight with an insulating glass unit to be created with a structural glass panel and a thermal glass panel. The spacer member includes a slab part and a tube part having substantially the same thickness. The tube part is hollow, containing desiccant material for absorbing moisture within the insulating glass unit. The spacer members may be joined together to create a spacer frame. The spacer frame defines an inner rectangular region. When the spacer frame is sealed between the structural glass panels and the thermal glass panel, an air gap is created within the inner rectangular region. The desiccant material effectively removes moisture from air within the air gap.

Abstract: A Vacuum Insulating Glazing Unit (VIGU) comprises two or more glass lites (panes) spaced apart from one another and hermetically bonded to an edge seal assembly therebetween. The resulting cavity between the lites is evacuated to create at least one insulating vacuum cavity within which are disposed a plurality of stand-off members to maintain separation between the lites. The edge seal assembly is preferably compliant in the longitudinal (i.e., edgewise) direction to allow longitudinal relative motion between the two lites (e.g., from thermal expansion). The longitudinal compliance may be obtained by imprinting a three-dimensional pattern into the edge seal material. The edge seal assembly is preferably bonded to the lites with a first bond portion that is hermetic and a second bond portion that is load-resistant. Methods for producing VIGUs and/or compliant edge seal assemblies and VIGU and edge seal apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a frame structure, such as a window sash or a frame for a window or door, comprising a core made from at least one core member made from expanded polystyrene (EPS) with a density of 80-200 kg/m3 and a shell of polyurethane (PUR) encasing the core. The core may include a plurality of core members, some of which may be made from a different material.

Abstract: A skew adjustment mechanism is used for adjusting the length of a lift cord on a window covering. The lift cord extends from a lift spool at a first end to an anchor drum at a second end. A cord wrap post is provided between the lift spool and the anchor drum so that the lift cord can be wrapped around the cord wrap post to provide friction between the lift cord and the cord wrap post when the lift cord is taut in order to reduce the amount of holding force that is needed to prevent the anchor drum from rotating.

Abstract: A hardwired and wirelessly controlled motorized window shade system is presented that includes a plurality of motorized window shades that are connected by a cable, such as Ethernet cable, to a power panel and a hardwired control. Motorized window shades are also wirelessly connected to a wireless control through a gateway. This arrangement provides the motorized window shades with the advantage of receiving power and control signals through the cable, as well as giving the flexibility of being controlled through a wireless control.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for configuring a motorized drive device for a closure or solar protection unit, the method including: a step in which a low end-of-travel position of a screen is determined automatically; a step in which the magnitude of an electric current passing through an electric motor is measured by a measurement device; a step in which a variation in the value magnitude is determined; and a step in which an obstacle-detection threshold value is determined during the movement of the screen towards its unwound position, according to the variation in the measured magnitude.

Abstract: A compact folding utility platform having a rung attachment attaching to the rung. A shelf folds from a vertical support, forming a work platform. A rung attachment is attached to the vertical support. In one embodiment, the rung attachment expands inside the rung of a ladder and is frictionally retained. In another embodiment, a rung attachment mechanism having fingers pivotally moves into position around the rung. Tabs placed in the vertical support may be used to hold the handle of a paint can. Other work tools may be placed on the shelf.

Abstract: A downhole motor having a motor section, a drive shaft section, and an output shaft section. The output shaft section has a rotatable output shaft with a first end and a second end. A first thrust bearing assembly proximal to the first end of the output shaft, a second thrust bearing assembly proximal to second end to said output shaft. A radial bearing assembly disposed between the first and second thrust bearing assemblies.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDC”) exhibiting enhanced diamond-to-diamond bonding. In an embodiment, PDC includes a sintered substantially single-phase polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) body consisting essentially of bonded-together diamond grains exhibiting a morphology different than that of a PCD body formed by sintering diamond crystals. A substrate is bonded to the sintered substantially single-phase PCD body. Other embodiments are directed to methods of forming such PDCs, and various applications for such PDCs in rotary drill bits, bearing apparatuses, and wire-drawing dies.

Abstract: A bearing system configured for use on a downhole tool including a rolling cutter member having a plurality of cutting structures thereon comprises a first plurality of bearings disposed between a head washer and an at least substantially planar shaft washer, and a second plurality of bearings disposed between the at least substantially planar shaft washer and a rolling cutter washer. A downhole tool, such as an earth-boring rotary rolling cutter drill bit includes such a bearing system between a rolling cutter and a head of a bit body. Methods of forming such a downhole tool include the assembly of such a bearing system between a rolling cutter and a head of a bit body.

Abstract: A downhole stabilizer (5), such as a drill motor stabilizer, comprises at least one reaming means and/or reinforcing means (10). The present invention also relates to an assembly (30), such as a downhole drilling assembly (31), comprising at least one such stabilizer (5) and/or a drill bit (40,41) comprising a gauge bit (42) at or near a drilling end (45) thereof, and a connection means (46) for connecting the drill bit (40,41) to a drill motor assembly (60), wherein the drill bit gauge (42) comprises a substantially cylindrical portion having a length less than or equal to approximately 1.0 times the nominal bit diameter. The present invention also relates to a novel locking mechanism (80), such as a lock and key mechanism, to allow locking of a shaft (70?), e.g. a motor drive shaft (71?), through or together with a stabilizer (5?).

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

Abstract: A drill bit includes a drill bit body and a flexible blade positioned on the drill bit body. The drill bit further may include a cutting element coupled to and extending a distance beyond a face of the flexible blade. The cutting element may have a back rake angle and a side rake angle. At least one of the distance, back rake angle, and side rake angle may depend on a flexed position of the flexible blade.

Abstract: An infiltrated metal-matrix composite drill bit includes a bit body comprising a reinforced composite material including reinforcing particles infiltrated with a binder material. A plurality of cutting elements is coupled to an exterior of the bit body. A mandrel is positioned within the bit body and made of an M-based alloy selected from the group consisting of a titanium-based alloy, a nickel-based alloy, a copper-based alloy, a cobalt-based alloy, and a refractory metal-based alloy, wherein the element designated by “M” is the most prevalent element in the alloy composition. A shank is coupled to the mandrel.