Abstract: Disclosed embodiments provide an outdoor umbrella mount comprising a hollow tubular portion. Multiple access mounting holes are disposed within the tubular portion. A base screw is configured and disposed to traverse a mounting hole and an opposite mounting hole to serve as the base for an umbrella, allowing an umbrella to be securely mounted without the need for a large base on the floor/ground surface, thereby creating more legroom area for users.

Abstract: A tent top folding and unfolding mechanism includes a connecting seat, a sliding seat, connecting rods, an elastic member and a bolt. The connecting seat is to be pivotally connected with tent top rods, and includes a sinking seat extending downward. The sliding seat is disposed below the connecting seat and movable in an upward and downward direction with respect to the connecting seat. The sliding seat includes an accommodating seat for receiving the elastic member. The sinking seat of the connecting seat has an inner diameter greater than an outer diameter of the accommodating seat to receive the accommodating seat. Each connecting rod has one end pivotally connected to a lower portion of the sliding seat and the other end to be pivotally connected to a corresponding tent top rod. The bolt passes through the connecting seat and the elastic adjustable member, and is fastened at the lower end.

Abstract: A relocatable security fence system that may comprise a fence panel system attached to posts with bases and adjustable braces adapted to be used during instances where it is prohibitive to install a fence system by bolting to the ground or otherwise damaging the ground.

Abstract: A hidden-lock door panel for use in a container includes a door panel body, a covering lid, a first lock, and a second lock. The door panel body includes a hidden space. The covering lid is disposed corresponding to the hidden space and slidably connected to the door panel body. The first lock and the second lock are both disposed in the hidden space. The first lock is an electronic lock and is used to control whether the covering lid can be released to slide. The second lock is used to control the door panel body to be unlocked or locked with respect to the container. Accordingly, unknowing persons are prevented from opening or breaking the door lock.

Abstract: A lock system may comprise a lock assembly including a locking element movable between locking and unlocking positions, and a first lock actuating assembly configured to be mechanically operated to actuate the locking element to move between the locking and unlocking positions, with mechanical operation of the first lock actuation assembly occurring through a physical object. The system may also comprise a second lock actuating assembly configured to be electrically operated to actuate the locking element to move between the retracted and extended positions, with electrical operation of the second lock actuating assembly occurring through reception of a wireless signal by the second lock actuating assembly. The lock and lock actuating assemblies may have at least one mode of operation characterized by the lock assembly being actuated only by substantially simultaneous operation of the first lock actuating assembly and operation of the second lock actuating assembly.

Abstract: A lock includes a housing, a cylindrical core body and a tumbler unit. The core body is rotatably mounted in the housing, and includes a core axle, and a core tube sleeved on the core axle. The core axle has a helical keyway. The tumbler unit includes a housing pin hole formed in the housing, a tube through hole formed through the core tube, a pin assembly movably mounted in the housing pin hole and the tube through hole, a hole-defining surface defining the tube through hole and having a shoulder surface portion, and a resilient member disposed in the housing and resiliently biasing the pin assembly to abut against the shoulder surface portion and extend into the helical keyway.

Abstract: A motor for an electronic lock. The motor drives the electronic lock between a locked position and an unlocked position. A printed circuit board is mounted onto the motor. The printed circuit board includes a motor battery that is mounted onto the printed circuit board. A lock memory device is also mounted onto the printed circuit board and keeping a record of the usage of the electronic lock. In a preferred embodiment, the motor battery is remotely mounted and is connected to the printed circuit board via a wire connection.

Abstract: An interchangeable cylinder lock core with a mechanism for transferring a torque to a lock unit when a key plug is rotated. The interchangeable cylinder lock core includes a shell having an upper part, provided with a central row of locking pins in associated cavities, and a lower part with a cylindrical bore accommodating the rotatable key plug. At least a part of the cylindrical bore extends through a rotatable retainer sleeve. A back region of the key plug has a minimum length with the adjoining front region of the key plug being located in front of the mechanism for transferring torque. The adjoining front region accommodates, in addition to the central row of locking pins, at least one side locking mechanism which is located in its entirety within the front region of the key plug and interacts with at least one recess in a fixed front end sleeve portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to secure a bolt cutter, wire cutter, cable cutter or other type of pivot handled tool with two protruding tabs whose apertures align with each other as the handles of the pivot handled tool enter a closed position. A shackle of a padlock may be inserted through the aligned apertures to lock the handles in the closed position.

Abstract: A security device has a flexible strap (26) with a lock unit (28) attached at each end. The strap (26) comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending multi-filament cables or ropes (2) arranged in a substantially planar array embedded in an elastomeric material (4). The cables or ropes (2) have a coating of primer for creating a bond with the elastomeric material (4). The primer may be restricted to the external surface of the cables or ropes (2), or some of the surfaces of the filaments may be free of primer. This facilitates relative movement of the filaments during flexure or compression of the strap (26). Moreover, an extrusion process for manufacturing the strap (26) including a priming station (12) is disclosed.

Abstract: A rack to hold skateboards, longboards, scooters, motorcycle helmets, purses, umbrellas and other implements or accessories. The rack is adapted to be mounted on a wall or surface. The rack is formed of a lip extending from a rear support. The lip is formed of a series of rounded protrusions. Items to be held by the rack can be received over the protrusions. In one embodiment, each protrusion is angled at a predetermined angle from the front. This helps keep a received skateboard, scooter or other accessory at an appropriate angle such that the wheels or surface of the accessory will remain off an affixed wall to avoid damage to wall. The rack can also include a locking mechanism for locking adjacent protrusions. The rack is designed for safety by having rounded edges on all areas that protrude from the wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to an activation device for a door or flap of a motor vehicle, comprising an external actuation lever (1), an actuation lever (10) for opening a lock, and a coupling lever (13) enabling the external actuation lever (1) and actuation lever (10) to be coupled together, and a control lever (10) which controls the coupling of the coupling lever (13) in accordance with the acceleration of the external actuation lever (1). An undesired opening of a door or flap can be prevented in the event of a crash, without the actuation device accepting excessive stresses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle door lock (1) comprising: a lock housing (2); an actuating nut (3) that is rotatably mounted in the lock housing (2), the actuating nut (3) being mounted in the lock housing (2) such that said actuating nut can be rotated by an actuator acting externally on the actuating nut (3); and a locking lever (7), the locking lever (7) being displaceable by means of a rotation of the actuating nut (3). The actuating nut (3) can be positioned in the lock housing by means of a housing cover (25).

Abstract: A power system for a vehicle having a vehicle body and door includes a first battery disposed on the vehicle body, a second, rechargeable battery disposed on the door, a first electrical contact disposed on the vehicle body, and a second electrical contact disposed on the vehicle door. The first and second electrical contacts are coupled to the first and second batteries such that when the door is in a fully closed position relative to the vehicle body the first and second batteries are electrically coupled to one another and the second battery is charged by the first battery, and when the door is not in a fully closed position the first and second batteries are electrically de-coupled from one another.

Abstract: An exemplary deadbolt includes a pair of rollers positioned on opposing sides of an axial centerline of the deadbolt. The deadbolt may include chamfers or tapered surfaces extending from side surfaces of the deadbolt toward a face of the deadbolt. The rollers may extend beyond the face, one of the side surfaces, and/or one of the tapered surfaces. As the bolt moves from a retracted position to an extended position, one of the rollers may engage an edge of an opening in a strike plate, for example when the deadbolt is misaligned with the strike plate opening. As the rollers engage the edge, the deadbolt may be urged to a more aligned position.

Abstract: A handle mechanism includes a gear drive having an interior end and an exterior end; an inside handle fixed to the interior end; a button; a finger; a handle drive; an outside handle; and a spring. The button has an interior end and an exterior end, which is positioned within the exterior end of the gear drive. The handle drive is positioned within the exterior end of the gear drive and is rotatable relative thereto. The outside handle and the handle drive rotate together. The outside handle moves between a first position, wherein it is constrained from rotation, and a second position. The finger is fixed to the exterior end of the button, which moves between a first position, wherein the finger causes the gear drive and the handle drive to rotate together, and a second position. The spring biases the button and the outside handle toward their first positions.

Abstract: An apparatus has an actuator housing with a transmission side that defines a transmission slot. A slider is disposed in the actuator housing and has first and second ends which define a post receiver. The slider is movable between a first and second position. The post receiver is aligned with the slot when the slider is in the first position and the second position. A lever pivotably connected to the actuator housing is configured to move the slider from the first position to the second position. The transmission has an elongate element with a first and second end which is disposed outside the actuator housing and substantially parallel to and proximate the transmission side. A post extends from the first end and is received in the post receiver. A locking element is disposed proximate the second end of the first elongate element.

Abstract: A locking system is described that is intuitive to use and provides a high degree of security. The locking system is a multipoint locking system and includes a plurality of components that provide engagement between components. Also described are cabinets and enclosures using the locking system.

Abstract: A slam type locking mechanism is described. The locking mechanism allows a storage container with the locking mechanism to be slammed shut in a single motion. The operator may slam the lid or door to the container using a single hand that is only pressing or pushing the lid or door closed. The slam type locking mechanism includes a lock having a lock housing, a handle, and a spring loading mechanism. The handle is rotatably engaged to the spring loading mechanism. The rods are in a rotational engagement with the lock, wherein the rods have an offset that interacts with a striker on the container or lid in a locking relationship.

Abstract: A shower door hinge assembly includes a clamp, a member, a base, a spacer, and a pin. The clamp is configured to receive a portion of a shower door. The member is coupled to the clamp, and comprises a circumferential slot. The base is configured to be coupled to a fixed structure, and defines a hole. The spacer is coupled to the base. The member is rotatably coupled to the spacer. The pin includes a first end and a second end. The first end is configured to be received in the hole of the base, and the second end is configured to be received in the circumferential slot. The pin and the circumferential slot are cooperatively configured to define an end point of rotation for the shower door.

Abstract: A shower door hinge assembly includes a mount, an upper member, a lower member, a body, a plurality of gears, and a stop member. The mount is configured to be coupled to a fixed structure. The upper member is coupled to an upper portion of the mount, and the lower member is coupled to a lower portion of the mount. The body is rotatably coupled to the mount and is configured to be coupled to a pivotable shower door, wherein the body includes an inner wall having a plurality of splines defining a ring gear. The plurality of gears are disposed in the body and are configured to permit relative rotational movement between the body and the upper and lower members. The stop member is removably coupled between the inner wall of the body and one or more gears of the plurality of gears, and is configured to be selectively removed from, and repositioned within, the body to set a rotational endpoint for a pivotable shower door.

Abstract: A door hinge includes first and second leaves each with a plate portion, a free edge and an opposite geared edge, the geared edges meshing with each other as the leaves operationally pivot. Each leaf has a front surface and an opposite back surface. A cap covers the meshed geared edges on the back surface and defines a pivot axis for each of the leaves, the cap defining a channel A recess is provided in the front surface of each leaf, the recesses being in communication with the channel, each recess defining a break in the geared edges. First and second access panels are removably secured in the recesses, having a geared panel edge complementary with the leaf geared edge and filling the break, and at least one of the access panels being secured to the respective hinge leaf by security fasteners extending only into the leaf.

Abstract: A roller for a roller door has a roller bearing surrounded by a roller on the outer circumference and into which a bearing pin is inserted on the inner circumference, which protrudes in the axial direction from the roller bearing. The bearing pin has an inner part of a harder material and a bearing sleeve made of a softer material, wherein the inner part is pressed or screwed into the bearing sleeve. A method for mounting a roller includes injection molding a bearing sleeve made of plastic, inserting and/or screwing an inner part into an inner ring of a roller bearing and the bearing sleeve, and fixing the inner part to the bearing sleeve in a force-locked manner, and applying a roller to an outer ring of the roller bearing.

Abstract: A casement window hinge provides a shoe sliding on a track to support a sash arm. The shoe is held captive within the track against outward movement by a T-bar extending rearwardly from the shoe and retained by upwardly and downwardly extending flanges from the track.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a two-door closure system for a motor vehicle including a body having an A-pillar and a C-pillar being spaced from one another. According to an aspect of the disclosure, the closure system includes a front door having a front edge that is pivotably connected to the A-pillar. The closure system also includes a rear door that has a rearward edge that is pivotably coupled to the C-pillar of the vehicle body. At least one swivel hinge unit is provided that has a first pivot pin that is pivotably connected to the rearward edge of the rear door, and a second pivot pin for being pivotably connected to the C-pillar of the vehicle body to allow the rear door to initially pivot and translate away from the front door prior to pivoting the rear door between an open and closed position about the second pivot pin.

Abstract: A dual function door acts as both a pocket door and a hinged swinging door. A first door panel is hingedly attached to a wall for swinging. A first header rail is attached to the top of the first door panel while a second header rail is attached to an appropriate surface at the same height as the first header rail. A second door panel has rollers that slide within the first header rail. The first door panel is positionable so that the first header rail and the second header rail align allowing the second door panel to also slide within the second header rail. The two header rails can be locked in the aligned position.

Abstract: A hinge having a first hinge part and a second hinge part. The second hinge part has a hinge pin to which the first hinge part is connected for movement relative to the second hinge part about a hinge axis between a closed position. An over-close mechanism is provided comprising a catch member on the second hinge part arranged to co-operate with the first hinge part to urge the first hinge part towards the closed position during closing movement of the first hinge part and to retain the first hinge part arrange to co-operate with the hinge pin to urge the first hinge part towards the closed position during closing movement. A soft-close mechanism is provided comprising a damper member on the first hinge part arranged to co-operate with the hinge pin to provide a braking force in the direction of closing.

Abstract: During opening and closing actions of a window glass, the presence or absence of pinching of a foreign object in a window is determined on the basis of an amount of change in the movement speed of the window glass and a threshold value stored in a storage unit, and a drive direction of a motor is reversed in order to release a foreign object if it is determined that pinching is present. A threshold value update unit updates threshold values for pinching determination on the basis of the amount of change in the movement speed of the window glass for specific ranges of an entire movement range of the window glass. In addition, a threshold value for pinching determination for a range other than the specific ranges is set to be a preset fixed value.

Abstract: A powered actuator unit for use in a closure system of a motor vehicle. The powered actuator unit includes a common housing configured to house a brushless DC (BLDC) electronic motor unit, a gear drive unit, a shift support arrangement, and a controller arrangement. The motor unit has a stator unit that includes a plurality of electromagnetic subassemblies each having a carrier and a winding unit. The carrier includes an outer ring segment being planar and an inner ring segment being arcuate and a web segment interconnecting the outer ring segment and the inner ring segment and the plurality of electromagnetic subassemblies are each adapted to abut one another in an annular arrangement upon assembly. The outer ring segments define an outer peripheral surface of the stator unit having a polygonal cross-section and the inner ring segments define a rotor cavity having a circular cross-section.

Abstract: A method and device for opening a door in a hygienic manner, is done by positioning a foot or hand in a specific defined area so that a light beam that is directed towards the area is interrupted within a set range of distances such that an automatic opening mechanism for the door is activated.

Abstract: Window assemblies and methods for making window assemblies are disclosed herein. In one aspect, the window assembly can include a base frame assembly, an accessory support frame assembly, and an exterior accessory frame assembly. The base frame assembly is connected to and supported by the accessory support frame. The accessory support frame can be attached to a building structure via a first plurality of fasteners. The exterior accessory frame assembly, which provides much of the exterior aesthetic appearance of the window assembly, can be connected to the accessory support frame via a second plurality of fasteners which are concealed from view by the exterior accessory frame. In one example, the accessory members conceal the first plurality of fasteners once the exterior accessory assembly is connected to the base frame assembly. Many different styles of exterior accessory frames can be supported by the accessory support frame.

Abstract: A multiple pane includes a pair of glass panels spaced by spacers and sealed at peripheries thereof. The multiple pane includes a plurality of spacers interposed between the pair of glass panels, a hermetic bond that hermetically bonds peripheries of the pair of glass panels to each other and a space between the pair of glass panels that is sealed so as to be in a reduced pressure state. Each of the plurality of spacers is a porous member provided on one glass panel of the pair of glass panels.

Abstract: An insulating gas unit, and a method and apparatus for filling and sealing the insulating gas unit with an insulating gas, such as argon or krypton. The insulating glass unit includes a spacer frame having at least one elongated or oblong opening dimensioned to receive a gas filling nozzle. A mating elongated or oblong plug is dimensioned to be received within the opening in order to seal the insulating space of the insulating gas unit. A dimpling tool engages with the plug to form dimples that secure the plug in the opening.

Abstract: An aircraft window includes: a window body including window panels, and an electromagnetic shield layer laminated on the window panels; a window frame that is made of a conductive material, and that surrounds the window body; a rubber-based gasket provided with conductivity, the gasket being at least partially held between the window body and the window frame; and a conductive layer that is located between the window body and the gasket, and that brings the electromagnetic shield layer and the gasket into conduction with each other. The window frame includes a holding section that holds the window body. At least a part of the conductive layer extends to a portion of the window body facing an extending part of the holding section. Moreover, the conductive layer extends about an entire perimeter of the window body, and extends only partially along an interface between the window body and interposition member.

Abstract: An acoustical seal system that utilizes a sound absorbing material-based sound seal for the gap or flanking path between a closed door and the nearby surfaces (e.g., the door jam or frame and the floor). When the door is in a closed position, the acoustical seal system may leave a small gap around the door so that the door does not have to make contact with the surrounding structural components. The small gap is an air passage between the two adjacent rooms. The acoustical seal system includes a housing with one or more cavities. The housing is mounted on the sides of the door core or body or on the surrounding components such that the cavities face the small air gap when the door is in the closed position. The cavities are filled with sound-absorbing material, such as an acoustical foam, that is exposed to the air gap.

Abstract: A ventilator door brings fresh outside air into a structure through an outside opening and a fan or blower pulls outside air into a duct in the door. The air flows through the duct and into the structure through an inside grill remote from the outside opening. Heat is transferred from the flow of air to a heat sink disposed in the duct to cool the fresh air flowing into the duct. A regenerative heat sink may be used to capture heat from a flow of air from inside the structure and transfer the captured heat to a flow of outside air flowing into the structure. An inside opening in the door generally opposite to the outside opening. The air flow through the openings is controlled by movable panels by aligning or by misaligning openings in the movable panels with the openings in the outside and inside panels. A microprocessor controls the movable panels and the fan or blower in response to sensors inside and outside of the door.

Abstract: A high-performance fenestration system that includes a pressure chamber formed between longitudinally adjacent fenestration members. The pressure chamber is positioned on one side of the thermal break. The fenestration system can be configured so to create a continuous pressure chamber around the closed perimeter of the fenestration between the frame and sash. The resulting fenestration system enjoys significantly better water penetration resistance as compared with conventional high-performance doors and windows. Because of the positioning and structural configuration of the pressure chamber, the fenestration system can be configured to accept different hinge styles including Euro-style and American-style hinges without significant loss of performance. In addition, the system can accept American-style door hardware or Euro-style door hardware.

Abstract: We disclose a window blind that includes a capacitor within each slat. Each plate of the capacitor may be connected to one of two batteries. At least one switch may be placed between each capacitor plate and its adjoining battery. When one switch is open, another switch may be closed thereby sending current to only one plate at a time. The plate that receives the current is negatively charged and the remaining plate is positively charged. The switch that is open may be changed to reverse the charges of the plates. This charge reversal may be actuated through a series of pull cord gestures from a user. By creating an electrical charge on the plates, dust is pulled from the air according to the net charge of the dust particles. The window blind therefore functions as an air purifier as well as a traditional window blind.

Abstract: A motorized lift assembly for a window covering includes movable window covering material and cords for moving the window covering material, the motorized lift assembly includes a motor assembly including a motor, a speed reducing gear train driven by the motor for adjusting positions of the cords, and the motor being a low voltage, high speed motor operating at greater than 12,000 rpm.

Abstract: A daylighting device (10) including: a flexible base material (20) having light-transmitting properties; and a plurality of daylighting sections (30) on at least one of faces (20a) of the base material (20), each of the daylighting sections having light-transmitting properties and including at least two protrusion portions adjacent to each other.

Abstract: The geared window shade bracket comprises a sprocket having a ring gear on an inside circumference of the sprocket; a chain configured to be engaged with the sprocket such that, in response to pulling on the chain, the sprocket rotates; a sun gear that is configured to be restricted from rotation; one or more planet gears configured to rotate around the sun gear, wherein the one or more planet gears interface with the ring gear; and a planetary carrier configured to mate with the one or more planet gears. In response to the chain being pulled, the sprocket rotates, causing the planet gears to rotate, causing the planetary carrier to rotate, causing the hub to rotate, and causing a shade tube to rotate.

Abstract: A retract gate has an upper roller assembly, a lower roller assembly, an axial tube, a holding pole, and a screen body. The upper roller assembly has a rolling mechanism and a controlling mechanism. The controlling mechanism has a switch and an engaging component, the engaging component selectively sticking the differential crown gear. Two ends of the axial tube are connected with the upper roller assembly and the lower roller assembly. Two ends of the screen body are securely fixed on the holding pole and the axial tube. When the upper roller assembly is turned on, the rolling mechanism is released; when the upper roller assembly is turned off, the rolling mechanism can memorize the maximum length of the screen body and make the screen body not able to be unrolled further. Consequently, the retract gate can restrict babies and pets within a safe area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an access control device having at least one turnstile which has at least one barrier element that forms a turnstile arm and can be moved into a blocking position in which it blocks the access and into an access position in which it opens the access, an illumination device for illuminating the barrier element being provided. According to the invention, the barrier element forms an at least approximately planar illuminating panel that is made of a transparent material at least in sections and is fastened to a turnstile post at one end section and otherwise projects out freely. In particular an on-screen display element can be integrated into the barrier element and/or can form the barrier element, wherein said on-screen display element can be made of electronic paper with an image-storing function for the changeable display of information.

Abstract: First and second forward legs have pivot ends and free ends. First and second rearward legs have pivot ends and free ends. Four pivot brackets are provided. Two of the four pivot brackets extend rearwardly from each forward leg. In this manner the angle between the forward and rearward legs may be varied. Also provided is a top step, a middle step, and a bottom step. Each step is horizontal when in a ladder orientation. Further provided is an imperforate tongue. The imperforate tongue is pivotably secured between the rearward legs adjacent to the free ends. In this manner the rearward legs may be perpendicularly positioned when in a dolly orientation. Provided last are four wheels. Four wheels are secured to the forward legs. The four wheels extend forwardly from the forward legs for use when in a cart orientation.

Abstract: A stabilizer accessory releasably securable to a ladder having two one piece stiles and at least three rungs extending between the stiles, characterized by an elongate housing to be secured in use to the lower end of the stiles of the ladder and two stabilizing arms retractably received within the housing and extendable laterally in opposite directions, when deployed, to contact the ground at points that are further spaced apart than the ends of the housing, wherein the stabilizing arms are spring biased in a direction to protrude from the housing and are retained within the housing, and a catch mechanism is provided on the housing to retain the stabilizer arms in the retracted position.

Abstract: Provided is an adjustable extension for attachment to a ladder leg. The extension has an extension body and a friction surface that presses against the extension body to prevent movement of the extension body. The extension also includes a retainer that engages a retainer catch attached to the extension body to releasably hold the extension body in a retraced position, thereby allowing for one-handed operation and easy transportation of the ladder.

Abstract: A technique for drilling oil, gas and disposal wells in the earth includes drilling a surface hole with by delivering air down one flow path in a drill string and circulating air and drill cuttings up another flow path in the drill string. Surface pipe is cemented in the surface hole and a well bore is drilled below surface pipe.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system, apparatus and method for guiding a drill bit based on forces applied to a drill bit, and drilling methods related to same.

Abstract: A bend adjustment assembly for a downhole mud motor includes a driveshaft housing, a driveshaft disposed in the driveshaft housing, a bearing mandrel, wherein the bend adjustment assembly includes a first position that provides a first deflection angle between a longitudinal axis of the driveshaft housing and a longitudinal axis of the bearing mandrel, wherein the bend adjustment assembly includes a second position that provides a second deflection angle between the longitudinal axis of the driveshaft housing and the longitudinal axis of the bearing mandrel, and an actuator assembly configured to shift the bend adjustment assembly between the first position and the second position in response to a change in at least one of flowrate of a drilling fluid supplied to the downhole mud motor, pressure of the drilling fluid supplied to the downhole mud motor, and relative rotation between the driveshaft housing and the bearing mandrel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for alleviating spiraling in boreholes is disclosed. The apparatus includes a sub, which adjusts the length of the bottom-hole assembly in response to tension/compression, flexural bending and/or torque measurements made above and below the reamer so that the drill bit and the reamer cut at the same depth rate. The sub is connected between the drill bit and the reamer. The apparatus further includes measurement devices disposed on the bottom-hole assembly above and below the reamer, which are capable of measuring the tension/compression, flexural bending and torque in the bottom-hole assembly. The method includes use of a data processor, which determines which operational output signals to supply to the sub in order to adjust its length and thereby accomplish the desired drilling rates.