Abstract: A lock cylinder including a plug, a plurality of key followers, a sensor assembly structured to sense positions of the key followers, and a controller in communication with the sensor assembly. The plug includes a keyway and a plurality of plug tumbler shafts. Each of the key followers is movably seated in a corresponding one of the plug tumbler shafts and includes a sensor interface. The sensor assembly includes a plurality of sensors, each of which includes at least one sensing region. Each of the key followers is associated with one of the sensors via an associative link formed between the sensor interface and the corresponding sensing region. The sensors are structured to generate an output signal indicative of the transverse position of the associated key follower, and the controller is structured to select and perform actions based upon the output signals.

Abstract: A high security electromechanical lock has a lock assembly configured to extend or retract a locking member. The lock assembly includes a first microcontroller communicatively coupled to an electronic storage memory. An electronic key input assembly is electrically and mechanically coupled to the lock assembly. The electronic key input assembly includes an electronic dial ring base having a base plate and a communications hub circuit. The base plate has a side wall. The communications hub circuit has a plurality of communications ports arranged around a periphery of the base plate that are accessible through the side wall. Each of the plurality of communications ports is configured to communicate with a respective peripheral electronic device of a plurality of peripheral electronic devices. The base plate is configured to mechanically removably mount each of the plurality of peripheral electronic devices around the periphery of the side wall of the base plate.

Abstract: A latch mechanism having a latch apparatus that is pivotally displaced about a latch axis and a cam device is that pivotally displaced along a transverse cam axis. The cam device is configured to operably engage the latch apparatus so as to at least assist in securing the latch apparatus in a locked position. When the latch apparatus is to be displaced to an unlocked position, the cam device may be pivoted about the transverse cam axis to a position in which the cam device does not impede with the pivotal displacement of the latch apparatus. The latch apparatus may also be configured to prevent the pivotal displacement of the cam device when the latch apparatus is in the unlocked position. According to other embodiments, the latch apparatus may be pivotally displaced about a transverse latch axis by the displacement of a latch link.

Abstract: A multiple-lock securing system to provide access to a secured area by releasing one of a plurality of locks. A bar in a multiple-lock securing system provides access to a secured area by releasing one of the locks. A locking plate has a plurality of openings for positioning one of the locks therein. The bar is fastened to the locking plate when the locks are positioned in each of the openings. Removal of one of the locks from its respective opening releases the bar and provides access to the secured area. The invention provides an improved multiple lock securing system that includes end bars and middles bars with structural differences to accommodate larger locks. The invention further provides end bars and middle bars that have a stiffening center rib that extends through the central axis of each bar.

Abstract: A locking apparatus is described. The locking apparatus includes a first sliding member that includes a first locking arm that extends from the first sliding member, a first tab that extends from the first locking arm, and a first locking aperture assembly. The locking apparatus includes a second sliding member that includes a second locking arm that extends from the second sliding member and a second locking aperture assembly configured to cooperate with the first locking aperture assembly to form an aperture configured to prevent relative motion between the first sliding member and the second sliding member when a locking protrusion is inserted therethrough. A locking system and a kit for securing a computing device are described. Methods of use are also provided.

Abstract: A vehicle handle device includes: a handle support member; a handle rotatably supported by the handle support member and causing a locking device to perform a transition from a latched state to an unlatched state; a rotary member rotatable around a rotary shaft with respect to the handle support member; and a torsion coil spring having a main body portion extending to have a spiral shape and disposed on the periphery of the rotary shaft, and first and second engagement pieces extending from both ends of the main body portion, respectively, and generating a bias force causing the rotary member to rotate around the rotary shaft when the first and second engagement pieces engage with the rotary member and the handle support member, respectively, in a state where the main body portion is elastically deformed.

Abstract: A trunk latch module for a vehicle may include a base plate, a first locking groove for insertion of a striker into the first locking groove, a main gear rotatably combined with the base plate at a position above the first locking groove, the main gear being supplied with power of a motor, a claw rotatably combined with the base plate, with a second locking groove provided at a first end of the claw, and with a stop protrusion provided on an outer surface of a second end of the claw, a link assembly combined with the main gear, the link assembly transmitting power to the claw by operating in conjunction with rotation of the main gear, a claw-locking assembly locking or releasing the claw by using power transmitted from the link assembly, and a guide lever guiding rotation directions of the link assembly and the claw-locking assembly.

Abstract: A gesture access and object impact avoidance system for a motor vehicle, includes a radar signal assembly configured to be mounted to the motor vehicle and to transmit radar signals and detect reflected radar signals, and a processor to operate in (i) a gesture access mode, when the motor vehicle is not moving or is disabled from moving, by controlling an access closure actuator to lock, unlock, open or close an access closure of the motor vehicle if an object is within a sensing region of the radar signal assembly and exhibits a predefined gesture, and (ii) an object impact avoidance mode, when the motor vehicle is moving or enabled to move, by activating a warning device or controlling an impact avoidance device actuator if an object is within a predefined distance of the radar signal assembly.

Abstract: A hood latch assembly for a vehicle is provided. The assembly includes a first latch that is rotated in a first opening direction by a first lever disposed within a driver's seat, to push a striker mounted on a lower surface of a hood to pop up the hood. A second latch restricts or releases the striker to couple or decouple the hood to or from a vehicle body. A second lever rotates the second latch to allow the second latch to release restriction of the striker, and a housing accommodates the first and second latches and the second lever. Additionally, an extendable lever is disposed at a side of the second lever, and extends, when the hood is popped up, to protrude outward.

Abstract: A door latch device for a vehicle comprises an operation pawl lever interlocked with a door handle which is mounted on a door, the operation pawl lever configured to rotate; a support pawl lever including a guide hole, and coupled to a rotating shaft that linearly moves along the guide hole, the support pawl lever being pressed in a first direction by the operation pawl lever when the operation pawl lever rotates in a first rotation direction; a claw lever configured to be restricted from rotating by a support part disposed on the support pawl lever, wherein the support pawl lever moves in the first direction when the operation pawl lever presses the support pawl lever to keep the door in a closed state, wherein the support part protrudes in a second direction different from the first direction.

Abstract: A wire crate latch apparatus having, in a first embodiment, a pivoting member that is continually drawn to a closed position by gravity and that is deflected into a catch when the door having the pivoting member is swung closed. The latch apparatus further includes upper and lower stops to contain a distal end of the pivoting member and to hold the distal end in the position to hit an oblique portion of the catch when the door is closed. In a second embodiment, a sliding latch apparatus is deflected by a catch and is relatively inaccessible from inside of the wire crate by back plates on the latch and catch.

Abstract: In an aspect, a kit of parts is provided for a check arm keeper, which includes a keeper housing having a mounting bracket and a cartridge-mounting portion, and a plunger cartridge that includes a plunger cartridge housing mountable to the keeper housing, a plunger slidable in the plunger cartridge housing, and a plunger-biasing member positioned in the plunger cartridge housing to urge the plunger out from the plunger cartridge housing. The plunger has a first engagement member and the plunger cartridge housing has a second engagement member. The engagement members cooperate to retain the plunger in the plunger cartridge housing against a biasing force of the plunger-biasing member when the plunger cartridge is free from the keeper housing. Mounting of the plunger cartridge housing holds it in a selected position relative to the keeper housing and drives the plunger to a position in which the engagement members are spaced apart.

Abstract: A portable door locking system includes a door that is hingedly positioned in a door jamb and the door includes a hinge. A locking unit is provided and the locking unit is selectively coupled to the hinge. The locking unit extends laterally between the door and the door jamb. In this way the door abuts the locking unit when the door is urged into an open position. The locking unit inhibits the door from being opened to inhibit an intruder from entering the room.

Abstract: A hinge arrangement for detachably connecting construction elements that are to be pivotably connected to each other is provided with an axial pin with a first end provided with a collar wider than the pin body. A first hinge part with a first bushing is to be connected to a first construction component. A second hinge part with a second bushing is to be connected to a second construction component. The first and second hinge parts are connected pivotably to each other by the axial pin extending through the first and second bushings. The axial pin has a recess. The first hinge part has a fixation element extending into the first bushing and slidable transverse to a longitudinal extension of the axial pin. The fixation element has a projection projecting in a connected state of the first and second construction elements into the recess of the axial pin.

Abstract: The invention disclosed provides a hinge capable of a vertical and overlay adjustment, comprised of a recessed hinge cup and a hinge arm connected to an attachment plate and an abutment plate which are further connected by a deformable hinge section. An overlay adjustment is provided by bending the deformable hinge section through use of an overlay adjustment screw fitted between the attachment plate and the abutment plate. The novel hinge provided is also adjustable vertically via an adjustment screw accessed by a portal in the attachment plate. The design is less complicated and therefore is lighter and less expensive than previous overlay adjustable hinges and allows delicate and semi-permanent adjustments to be made by a single installer.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator and a hinge for a door of the refrigerator. In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, there may be provided a refrigerator, including a main body having a storage space capable of storing food, a door configured to selectively open and close or shield the storage space of the main body, and a hinge rotatably fixing the door to the main body, wherein the hinge includes a lower hinge plate fixed to the main body, an upper hinge plate connected to the lower hinge plate, coupled to the door and including a pivot configured to enable the door to rotate, and a connection part connecting the upper hinge plate and the lower hinge plate and enabling the upper hinge to rotate with respect to the lower hinge plate.

Abstract: Adjustable hinge assemblies for partially or completely rotating an object joined thereto about an axis in specific, pre-determined increments defined by the interaction of ball pins and detents permit the adjustable hinge to retain an attached object in specific rotational positions until sufficient force is applied in the plane of rotation to overcome this interaction. In certain cases the object may be a door, window, baffle, or airfoil. Preferably, the adjustable hinges may be used as part of a sneeze guard assembly to hold a main sneeze guard pane whose angle can be adjusted to protect food from airborne contamination, such as in airborne saliva or mucus droplets. An optional tuck-away hinge pane prevents contamination of food from the ends of the sneeze guard assembly.

Abstract: An assembly includes a first structure, a second structure, a hinge that connects the first structure to the second structure for rotation of the first structure relative to the second structure around an axis, and a motion control component. The motion control component applies a feedback force to the hinge in response to an external force that is applied to the first structure. A magnitude of the feedback force is determined based on a current angular position of the first structure relative to the second structure.

Abstract: A counterbalance system for a window sash that engages a guide track in a vinyl tilt-in window. At least one ribbon spring coil is used to create the counterbalance force. The ribbon spring coils are held in a brake shoe chassis that travels within the guide track of the window. A first protective barrier is attached to the brake shoe chassis. The first protective barrier travels externally of the guide track and shields the slot opening adjacent the spring placement area. A second protective barrier is attached to the brake shoe chassis inside the guide track. The second protective barrier shields the spring placements areas from contamination within the guide track. A brake mechanism is also attached to the brake shoe chassis. The brake mechanism uses a cam to spread arms against the side walls of the guide track when the window sash is tilted. This provides contact against three inside walls of the guide track, therein creating a lock.

Abstract: An operable wall assembly having a prime mover for deploying and stowing or stacking the wall panels. The operable wall assembly includes a control system for controlling operation of the prime mover and sensors for determining when the panels are fully deployed and fully stacked. The wall panel is installed by applying a three-point camber for spans in the range of 33-40 feet.

Abstract: A door assembly is provided for which can alternate between a pivoting and a sliding configuration. The door assembly can include a door panel, a track, a first carriage assembly, a second carriage assembly, and a locking mechanism. The first and second carriage assembly can connect the door panel to the track. The first and second carriage assemblies can be slidably movable on the track, and the first carriage assembly can further include a pivot mechanism that pivotably couples the door to the track. The locking mechanism can configure the door between the sliding and pivoting configurations. For example, the locking mechanism can mechanically couple the door panel to the second carriage assembly in the sliding configuration and mechanically decouple the door from the second carriage assembly in the pivoting configuration.

Abstract: A gate apparatus having an automatically returning gate, an upper latch operated by an upper button, and a lower latch operated by an upper finger handle. Each of the latches must be opened to open the gate. The gate returns without the aid of a spring to a position close to the closed position or to the closed position by the structure of a pivot or hinge connection between the gate and the frame of the gate. Gate tubes are rectangular in section for their entire length. Wood panels are included in the gate and excluded from other portions of the gate apparatus to make the gate stand out to the user seeking to open the gate.

Abstract: A shading device including a shading structure displaceable in vehicle-fixed lateral guiding rails between a lowered rest position and a deployed shading position using a drive arrangement. The shading structure in the rest position is lowered down in a vehicle-fixed chamber through a passage, wherein the passage is closable by a cover movable between an open position and a closed position, and a control arrangement for opening and closing the cover is provided and coupled to a displacement movement of the shading structure. The control arrangement includes a control plunger engaging on the cover, which plunger is articulated to the cover in opposed pull and push directions. The control plunger is in operative connection with the cover via a tensioning arrangement which is spring-elastically tensioned in one movement direction and inactively relaxed in an opposite movement direction.

Abstract: A furniture hinge includes a first fitting portion, a second fitting portion, and a hinge lever connecting the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion. An adjustment screw adjusts a position of the furniture hinge relative to the furniture carcass and/or the movable furniture part, and the adjustment screw is actuable by a screwdriver introduced into a recess. A spring device can move the furniture hinge from a predetermined angular position into a fully closed position and/or a fully open position. A control curve interacts with the spring device from the predetermined angular position into the fully closed position and/or the fully open position, and an intermediate portion allows the spring device to interact with the control curve. The intermediate portion has an opening flush with the recess of the hinge lever, so that the screwdriver can be introduced through the recess and through the opening of the intermediate portion.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for minimizing closing force of a door. The apparatus comprises a housing adapted to be disposed in the hinged edge of the door. A piston is slidably mounted in the bore. A button having an inner end and an outer end is disposed in the bore with the inner end of the button engaging the piston for urging the button toward a first extended position where the button extends from the edge of the door. The button is slidable in the bore relative to the housing for reciprocal movement between the extended position and a second position where the button is depressed into the bore against the force of the piston. The button is disposed so that the outer end of the button engages the door frame for slowing movement of the door in a closing direction as the button is moved into the bore to the depressed second position.

Abstract: A door assembly includes a first door skin and a second door skin spaced apart from the first door skin. The assembly also includes an energy sensor generating an energy signature signal and a memory storing a door component operating signature. A controller is coupled to the accelerometer and forms a comparison of the energy signature signal to the door component operating signature and generates a door component operation status signal in response to the comparison.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for controlling the opening and closing of a closure panel for a vehicle. The system includes a power actuator having a motor for opening and closing the closure panel. A lift-assist member cooperates with the power actuator and is operated by a controller that controls the operation of the power actuator. A circuit monitors current draw of the motor and signals the controller when the current required for opening the closure panel exceeds a predetermined level to prevent operation of the power actuator. The position of the closure member may be monitored by an encoder, or angle sensor, associated with the motor to detect whether the closure member is falling and actuate a system that prevents rapid movement of the closure member.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has an automatically controllable rear-tailgate arrangement, which either is comprised of a single pivotable tailgate or a pivotable lower tailgate and a pivotable upper tailgate. An electronic control unit for the motorized control of the pivotable tailgates is associated with the rear-tailgate arrangement assembly. In particular, the control unit is designed to perform the following functionality by an appropriately programmed function module: the control unit evaluates information of a sensor unit for sensing the longitudinal tilt of the motor vehicle; after an opening command by an operating person, the control unit prevents complete opening either of the single rear tailgate or at least of the lower rear tailgate at least in the case of a rearward longitudinal tilt exceeding a defined threshold.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an assistance device for loading a motor vehicle, having at least one detection device by means of which an item that is to be loaded into the motor vehicle is detectable, and having a door opening device by means of which at least one access opening to a cargo area of the motor vehicle is releasable in accordance with this detection of the item. The disclosure further relates to a method for operating an assistance device.

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

Abstract: An adjustable shim for pre-hung doors or windows is described. The adjustable shim includes a base bracket configured for mounting to a frame member of the pre-hung door or window. The adjustable shim also includes a shim plate and an actuator operably attached between the base bracket and the shim plate. Rotation of the actuator raises or lowers the shim plate relative to the base bracket.

Abstract: Provided is a low-emissivity coating comprising successively: a first dielectric layer comprising a first metal oxide; a low-emissivity layer; and a second dielectric layer having first and second layers stacked on each other, the first layer comprising a second metal oxide, and the second layer comprising a silicon aluminum nitride, wherein each of the first and second metal oxides has a refractive index ranging from about 2.2 to about 2.6 with regard to a wavelength of about 550 nm.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic released foldable door having a two-way door structure, which foldable door comprises a first closing door device (11) and a second closing door device (13), wherein a first door leaf (2) is connected to one side of the first closing door device (11), the second closing door device has one side connected to the first door leaf (2) and the other side thereof connected to a second door leaf (6), the second door leaf (6) is a door-in-door and a two-way door structure; and the foldable door further comprises a plurality of fixing devices (3, 31, 7) and at least one hinge (4). The foldable door has a relatively small turning radius and can be folded for receiving, and the door-in-door can be rotated in different directions.

Abstract: A window frame assembly includes a frame; a setting block including a block body secured to the frame; and a block lip extending outwards from the block body; a glazing bead secured to the frame and the setting block, a bead rib of the glazing bead positioned between the block lip and the frame, the glazing bead and the frame defining a glazing channel; and a lite defining a first edge, the first edge of the lite inserted into the glazing channel.

Abstract: We disclose a cordless window blind that includes at least one electromagnet within each slat. The slats may be inserted into orifices within rotatable slat mounting members on a vertical guide rail assembly. The orifices may house electrical connections which connect the electromagnets to at least one battery. The electromagnets may have the same polarity such that the electromagnet of one slat attracts the electromagnet of an adjacent slat. The magnetic attraction may move one slat toward the other slat causing the slats to move vertically along the guide rail assembly and either raise or lower the blinds. Alternatively, electromagnets on only one of two longitudinal edges of the slats may be actuated and attract a metal member on an adjacent slat. The magnetic attraction may cause the slats to tilt and rotate within the slat mounting members thus closing the blinds.

Abstract: A hold down device is provided for continuous loop cords or bead chains in a window covering installation. The hold down device engages the cord or chain while the cord or chain is loosely suspended, and prevents operation by encountering the head rail if the cord or chain is operated. Mounting the hold down device in a window covering installation disengages the hold down device from its secured position relative to the cord or chain.

Abstract: A window shade includes a reel and a roller pivotally connected with a head frame at two spaced-apart positions, a clutch operatively connected with the roller and switchable between an engaged state preventing the roller from rotating in a first direction and a disengaged state for rotation of the roller in an opposite second direction, and a panel assembly including multiple transversal vanes respectively connected with a first and a second panel. The reel is rotatable to wind and unwind the panel assembly with the first panel remaining in contact with the roller. The panel assembly is switchable between an open state for light passage and a closed state blocking light passage by rotating the transversal vanes. The reel is rotatable in an unwinding direction while the roller is kept stationary by the clutch in the engaged state for switching the panel assembly from the closed to open state.

Abstract: A window covering includes a first bracket spaced apart from a second bracket, a shaft positioned between the brackets, and window covering material connected to the shaft. The window covering can also include a window covering material position control mechanism to facilitate positional control for the window covering material. In some embodiments, a rail extends between the first and second brackets above the shaft. Each bracket can include at least one finger that is positionable within a locator hole in an end of the rail so that opposite ends of the rail are connectable to the brackets via the fingers and locator holes. The rail can have a length that is configured so that when the rail is coupled to the first and second brackets via the fingers and locator holes and the brackets can be accurately spaced apart from each other for installation of the window covering.

Abstract: A roller shade mounting element includes a mount portion configured to couple to a support surface and a bracket portion configured to support a roller window shade assembly. The bracket portion includes a first end and a second end substantially opposite the first end, a first surface at the first end configured to bear against the support surface, a second surface between the first end and the second end where the second surface is configured to extend adjacent an end of the roller window shade assembly, and a member coupled with the bracket portion. The member extends outward from the second surface, and the member is configured to engage and limit rotation of at least a portion of the roller window shade assembly. The combination of the bracket portion and the roller window shade assembly completely obscures at least a portion of the mount portion to an observer.

Abstract: An open latching gate frame configured in a rectangular configuration has upper and lower horizontal segments and two laterally spaced vertical segments. Each segment has an interiorly facing indentation. A panel insert has a rectangular configuration supported by the indentations of the segments. A first and a second vertically oriented, laterally spaced post has a hollow rectangular configuration. Hinges couple the first post to an adjacent vertical segment of the gate frame and panel inset. The hinges are spring urged and functioning to reciprocate the gate frame and panel insert between open and closed orientations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hoisting device for working in heights, specifically including a vehicle body, a lower bracket installed at a bottom of a safety ladder, a host driver fixed on the lower bracket and providing lifting power, an upper bracket installed at a top of the safety ladder, a traction rope connecting the upper bracket, the vehicle body and the host driver, and a sliding rail installed on the safety ladder, and further including a fall arrester installed on the sliding rail, a guiding device assembly installed on a back portion of the vehicle body, a stall protection device installed on the vehicle body and matched with the sliding rail, a collapsible pedal installed on a lower portion of the vehicle body and configured to carry people and goods, an operation handle fixed to an upper portion of the vehicle body and a position-limiting bracket installed on an upper portion of the safety ladder.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a safety mechanical system including a latter and a barrier for use with a an above-ground swimming pool that is easy to install and provides safety from children accessing the pool via the ladder. Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to a safety mechanical barrier that blocks access to the ladder itself, thereby restricting access to an above-ground pool by unsupervised minors.

Abstract: A pole grab for use with a ladder, the pole grab including a base unit structured to attach between rails of the ladder such that the base unit can rotate between a stowed position and a deployed position, the base unit including at least one retractable latch mechanisms structured to extend and engage with at least one corresponding receiving point on at least one of the rails of the ladder to prevent rotation of the base unit and to retract and disengage with the at least one corresponding receiving point on the at least one of the rails of the ladder to allow rotation of the base unit, and an arm assembly attached to the base unit and including a pair of arms pivotally attached to corresponding pivot points spaced a predetermined distance apart from each other on the base unit, the pair of arms being structured to pivot between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: A ladder securing device provides a means to safely secure a ladder to an edge of a building structure while performing such activities as painting, construction, roofing projects, and the like. The device includes a ladder hooking portion, a turnbuckle, and a clamping assembly. The portions of the device are affixed to each other to form a length-adjustable assembly. It is envisioned that a pair of the devices would typically be utilized to hook onto opposing side rails of the ladder and to adjacent edge features of the building, and then tightened down using the turnbuckles.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a ladder assembly configured to be used with a vertically-extending wall assembly of a building having a window assembly installed to the vertically-extending wall assembly. The ladder assembly includes a housing assembly configured to be fixedly received (at least in part) in the vertically-extending wall assembly, to be mounted to the vertically-extending wall assembly, and to extend (at least in part) into the vertically-extending wall assembly of the building. A support assembly is configured to be fixedly attached to the housing assembly, and to extend (at least in part) into the housing assembly in such a way that the support assembly bisects the housing assembly. The support assembly, in use, provides any one of a handhold and a foothold configured for usage by a user.

Abstract: A modular, mechanical percussive hammer assembly may be used with drill strings, wireline cable, and coiled tubing. Rotation of a splined driveshaft by downhole electric, hydraulic or mud motor rotates a downwardly-biased hammer and drill body rotatively captured within a upwardly-biased stationary anvil. A bit is carried by the drill body. The hammer contacts and rotates along a cammed control surface of the anvil as the driveshaft is rotated. Interaction between the cammed control surface and the hammer operated to create an axial impact force that is transmitted to the drill body and drill bit.

Abstract: A process for drilling a well into the seafloor at an offshore drilling location, in particular in arctic regions, the process comprising: drilling a top hole part of the well during a winter season where the water at the drilling location is at least partly covered by ice; and initiating drilling a lower part of the well extending into a hydrocarbon-bearing formation during a subsequent off-winter season where the water is less ice infested than during the winter season.

Abstract: A directional casing drilling system includes a casing string, a drilling rig and a retrievable Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA). The drilling rig includes a casing drive for rotating the casing string in the borehole, a control system for controlling the casing drive, and a mud pump for pumping a continuous flow of drilling mud into the casing string. The BHA includes a torque transfer section, with which it is secured in the casing string, and a drill bit section held in a drilling position in the torque transfer section. It further includes a mud drive that rotates the drilling position of the drill bit section about the longitudinal axis of the torque transfer section, and a communicating device for communicating the orientation of the drill bit to the control system. The BHA is steered by adjusting the rotational speed of the casing string.

Abstract: An earth-boring tool comprising a bit-body, a blade, and a cutting element assembly. The cutting element assembly comprising a journal, a rotatable cutting element, and a retention element. The journal defines an upper cylindrical exterior surface, a first bearing surface that intersects the upper cylindrical exterior surface, and a first external groove in the upper cylindrical exterior surface. The rotatable cutting element comprises a table of polycrystalline hard material having an end cutting surface and a supporting substrate. The substrate defines a second bearing surface, a longitudinally extending blind hole having a diameter larger than the diameter of the upper cylindrical exterior surface of the journal, and a second groove in the surface of the substrate defining the blind hole. The retention element is disposed at least partially in the first groove and partially within the second groove.

Abstract: An expandable reamer for a borehole has a plurality of support elements (202) distributed around a central axis of the tool with cutters (234, 236) and stabilising pads (250) on the support elements, arranged such that at least one of the support elements comprises at least one region comprising cutters and at least one support element comprises a stabilising pad having a front surface positioned to face the wall of the borehole. The reamer includes drive mechanism for expanding the support elements (202) radially outwardly from the central axis. The support elements differ in the presence or axial positions of stabilising pads (250) thereon such that at least one support element differs from at least one other support element in the presence or axial position of at least one stabilising pad. This arrangement allows the stabilising pads to be positioned at or close to full gauge, thereby reducing vibration.