Abstract: The present invention comprises a brace adapted to secure one or more fence rails to a fence post. The present invention brace may optionally be installed onto an existing fence or on a new fence. The invention includes a fence post brace member adapted to connect to two or more sides of a fence post and a fence rail brace member adapted to connect to two or more sides of a fence rail. The fence post brace member may form a vertical picket fastener slot for use in affixing a picket to the fence post. The fence post brace system may be adapted for use with alternative fence post arrangements such as those having a fence rail positioned above and supported by the fence post and those defining a single channel for receiving a fence rail.

Abstract: A fencing system has at least two engaging elements, two rails extending along respective upper and lower rail axes with a generally hollow rectangular or four-sided cross-section. The rails have a horizontal top wall between first and second vertical rail sidewalls that depend downwardly to define an internal cavity. At least two attachment legs extend inwardly towards each other from the sidewalls. Vertical picket posts extend between through holes in the upper and lower horizontal rails. The picket post includes multiple grooves. The grooves receive the posts without penetration into any internal cavities of the upper and lower rail, and the posts are forced inwardly into the grooves by elastic memory in the sidewalls, the posts within grooves not being in locked engagement with the grooves, but held in place by the force of the elastic memory, the posts withdrawable from the grooves by overcoming the elastic force.

Abstract: A door locking mechanism for an appliance provides a bolt that may be moved by an actuator between an extended and retracted position. A bolt stop mechanism blocks movement of the bolt in retraction at one of two positions, depending on how the bolt was extended before the retraction. In this way the bolt automatically retracts when the door is not present because this causes extra extension of the bolt and an over-travel position need not be directly sensed reducing controller complexity or wiring.

Abstract: A door lock mechanism that rotates a cam mechanism to lock or unlock an enclosure. The mechanism includes a bias member that is coupled to the cam mechanism with a cam pin, where the cam pin is located on one side of the centerline of the lock in the locked state, and on the other side of the centerline of the lock in the unlocked state, to bias the cam mechanism into either the locked or unlocked state. Further disclosed are one or more stop mechanisms that prevent the cam mechanism from over-rotating past the locked or unlocked position. The bias member can further absorb impact from the lock rods of the door lock mechanism contacting the stop mechanisms.

Abstract: An electronic cathode lock includes a base formed with an opening that is communicated with an accommodating chamber in the base. In the accommodating chamber, two retaining units are provided symmetrically at two sides of the opening, and two driving units are provided corresponding to the retaining units. The two driving units are configured to position the retaining units to overlap the opening, or make the retaining unit move away from the opening. Thereby, the electronic cathode lock limits a latch in the accommodating chamber or makes the latch get out of the accommodating chamber. Such electronic unlocking of the electronic cathode lock is configured to work with a mechanical lock, thereby electronizing the mechanical lock.

Abstract: An electromechanical lock that can be mounted to an interior surface of a door or panel, on a cabinet, locker, furniture, or other storage device, can include a locking element such as a bolt, latch, or cam that can be translated between a locked position and an unlocked position by an actuator. A user interface can extend through a hole in the door or panel to provide a user terminal available to a user that can provide, for example, information or access to the lock. The user interface can have an adjustable backset to allow the lock to be retrofitted to a door or panel with a pre-existing hole from a previous lock, regardless of the backset of the pre-existing hole.

Abstract: A cabinet includes at least one hook on a rear end of a bottom of a drawer. Turning a rod in one direction turns a pushing member which in turn lifts sliding members along poles via a linking bar so that the hook may pass an aperture of the pole and a hole of the sliding member in an unlocked position of the drawer. To the contrary, turning the rod in the other opposite direction turns the pushing member which in turn drops the sliding members so that the hook is blocked from passing the aperture of the pole and the hole of the sliding member in a locked position of the drawer.

Abstract: A vehicle door latch device comprises a latch; a ratchet for releasing the latch; a first lever that can rotate in a releasing direction from an initial position due to releasing of the ratchet, a synthetic resin part being fixed to a metal part on the first lever; a first spring biasing the first lever toward the initial position, a second lever pivotally mounted to the first lever via a second shaft at a certain angle and rotating from the initial position to a block position for preventing the first lever from rotating in a releasing direction; a second spring comprising a torsion spring for biasing the second lever toward the initial position; and a holding member made of the synthetic resin part and holding a coil of the second spring.

Abstract: An operation handle which is linked to a shaft body and which is configured to operate the shaft body, the operation handle includes a handle main body, and a linking clip. The handle main body includes a cylindrical shape shaft body retaining portion fitted over the shaft body. The shaft body retaining portion includes a pair of clip-holding grooves. The linking clip includes a base portion and a pair of elastic legs which face each other via the base portion. Each of the pair of elastic legs includes a locking portion. The pair of elastic legs are inserted into the pair of the clip-holding grooves and the shaft body retaining portion is interposed from both sides by the pair of elastic legs and the linking clip is mounted in the shaft body retaining portion.

Abstract: A rotary latch assembly is provided wherein the front plate has a C-shaped configuration with opposite top and bottom flanges, and an interconnecting front face. A back plate is connected to the front plate for use in right-handed and left-handed applications. One or more trip levers are mounted on the plates to release the catch and rotor from a latched position. An embossment is provided on the front plate to strengthen the assembly and to support the rotor and the catch. Indicia is provided on the latch assembly to provide for ease of alignment with the striker for proper latching.

Abstract: A lever connection body includes a first lever; and a second lever rotating about a rotation center which is different from a rotation center of the first lever. A sliding long hole opened in the first lever and the second lever spaced apart with respect to the sliding long hole, are connected to each other via a rod. A rod holder including an inserting projection portion inserted into the sliding long hole of the first lever is mounted on an end portion of the rod which is a side of the first lever. A rectangular stopper is provided in a distal end portion of the inserting projection portion of the rod holder, the stopper has a short side length to be inserted into the sliding long hole and a long side portion locked to the sliding long hole to regulate withdrawn from the sliding long hole.

Abstract: A cinching latch assembly for a vehicle may include a base plate, a first locking groove formed on the base plate by being depressed from an upper end of the base plate toward a middle hereof for insertion of a striker into the first locking groove, a first rotation shaft provided on the base plate at a first side of the first locking groove, and a safety hook rotatably combined with the first rotation shaft at a first end of the safety hook, with a hook provided at a second end of the safety hook, the hook disposed to block the first locking groove, in which when the striker is inserted into the first locking groove, the safety hook opens the first locking groove by rotating on the first rotation shaft, and blocks the first locking groove, thereby performing a first-level locking.

Abstract: A vehicle-door opening and closing device includes: a latch unit configured to keep a vehicle door in a half latched state or a fully latched state; a power close mechanism configured to displace the vehicle door from the half latched state to the fully latched state; a power release mechanism configured to release the fully latched state to bring the vehicle door to an openable state; and a drive gear configured to be driven by a motor. The power release mechanism is configured to be actuated with a drive force of the drive gear. A return switch configured to be switched upon driving in a predetermined drive range sufficient to complete actuation of the power release mechanism is placed near the drive gear. The motor is configured to return the drive gear based on a signal from the return switch.

Abstract: A stowage compartment for a vehicle includes a bin, a bin frame, and a door assembly. The bin includes an opening and an interior compartment. The bin frame comprises an opening, a first and second door guide, and a first and second latch feature. The door assembly is capable of locking in a closed position as well as an open position. The door is able to be operated by one hand.

Abstract: A console box includes a box body with an opening, a pair of lids hinged to the box body to open and close the opening, and a lock mechanism configured to lock the lids in closed positions for closing the opening. The lock mechanism includes a first operation member configured to unlock the pair of lids separately from each other, and a second operation member configured to unlock the pair lids simultaneously with each other.

Abstract: A door assembly for an animal enclosure includes a frame having a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires that defines an opening for an animal to pass therethrough and a door having a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires and being coupled to the frame. The door is disposable between a closed position and an open position. A latch assembly is coupled to either the door or frame, and removably couples the door to the frame in the closed position. A blocking member is coupled to the door and located between at least two adjacent wires of the plurality of interconnected wires of the door. The blocking member is disposed adjacent to the latch member such that a portion of the latch member is in contact with the blocking member in a rest position.

Abstract: A latch that is waterproof or water-resistant so as to resist the entry of water through the latch. The latch can be a slam latch having a pawl with a shaft. A sealing element, for example, a collar and/or an O-ring, can be placed around the shaft of the pawl to resist water from entering through the latch. The pawl can also enclose the cavity in which the latch handle is maintained so water cannot enter through the cavity. Other measures, such as a gasket and selective welding, can also be implemented to improve the water-resistance of the latch.

Abstract: A toolbox is provided with a locking apparatus including a buckle and a driving unit. The buckle includes a space. The driving unit is inserted in the space and includes a pivotal element and a torque spring. The pivotal element is pivotally connected to the buckle. The torque spring is supported on the pivotal element and adapted for biasing the pivotal element relative to the buckle. The pivotal element includes a rod, an axle extending coaxially from the rod, and two cams formed on the axle and separated from each other by a gap. The torque spring includes a helical section supported on the axle and kept in the gap between the cams.

Abstract: A hinge system is described having at least one first hinge leaf with a single bore, suitable for fixing in an elongated opening or a row of openings in a thin wall, such as a door leaf or door frame of a metal cabinet or housing, wherein the first hinge leaf comes to lie against the margins of the breakthrough or the row of breakthroughs on one side of the thin and with a plate which comes to lie against the margins of the breakthrough or the breakthroughs on the other side of the thin wall, and with a screwed connection which presses together the two surfaces lying on the marginal surfaces, wherein, in the region of the breakthrough, projections extend from the hinge leaf or the plate which extend into or through the breakthroughs, wherein recesses are formed in the plate or the hinge leaf to receive the projections, wherein the projections are guided by the surfaces of the inner edges of the breakthroughs, wherein the threaded bore for the free end of screw passed through a projection provided with a bore.

Abstract: A hood hinge includes a hinge stay and a hinge arm. The hinge stay includes a horizontal plate portion that is fixed to a vehicle body and a vertical plate portion that supports a second end of the hinge arm. The vertical plate portion is erected and extends in a vehicle height direction from a first end of the horizontal plate portion in a vehicle width direction. The hinge arm of the hood hinge is provided with an arm reinforcing bead and the vertical plate portion of the hinge stay is provided with a stay reinforcing bead that extends in the vehicle height direction. The stay reinforcing bead is not provided on a ridge of a connection portion between the vertical plate portion and the horizontal plate portion.

Abstract: A hinge band for a partition element, particularly for a door or for a window, and a partition installation having such a hinge band are disclosed. The hinge band has a first band part and a second band part, wherein the first band part is connected to the second band part for hinge action about a hinge axle pin in such a manner that the first band part is rotatable relative to the second band part about a rotation axis. Furthermore, a lifting or lowering installation is provided, wherein on account of the lifting or lowering installation the first band part in a movement of the first band part relative to the second band part about the rotation axis is moved along the rotation axis.

Abstract: Tensioner devices for use with movable partition systems include endplates configured to be mounted on opposing sides or ends of a movable partition. At least one of the endplates includes a bracket configured for attachment to an end of a chain or a belt. The bracket is movable relative to the endplate. The endplate having the bracket also includes an adjustment mechanism located on a common side of the endplate with the bracket, and is operably coupled with the bracket. The adjustment mechanism is configured for adjusting a distance separating the bracket from the endplate. Movable partition systems include such tensioner devices. Methods of adjusting a tension in a chain or a belt of a movable partition system involve the use of such a tensioner device. Methods of installing movable partition systems within structures include the installation of such tensioner devices.

Abstract: A counterbalance dampener disposed between a printer chassis and the automatic duplexer unit includes a pair of support links pivotably connected at distal ends to the chassis and the automatic duplexer unit. A pinion disposed at the distal end of the support link connected to the automatic duplexer unit rotates when the automatic duplexer unit descends into an open configuration. The pinion is in communication with a rack that translates linearly to compress a spring which provides a countering force to slow the descent of the automatic duplexer unit.

Abstract: A variable output torque rod system for panel counterbalance includes a torque rod having a first fixed end relative to a storage area and a second fixed end relative to a panel, wherein the torque rod is configured to store energy by being twisted when the panel is pivoted in a first direction relative to the storage area and release the stored energy when the panel is pivoted in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction. A slider block is disposed on the torque rod between the first fixed end and the second fixed end wherein the slider block is free to be moved along an axis of the torque rod when a set screw is loosened from the torque rod, and wherein the slider block profiles against a portion of the panel to prevent rotation about the torque rod when the set screw is tightened.

Abstract: A door support includes a first shaft coupled to a door for rotating the door; a first armature on the first shaft; a second shaft with at least one module that resists motion; a second armature on the second shaft; a linkage that connects the armature on the first shaft with the armature on the second shaft; a freewheel on the second armature or on the second shaft that does not engage the module that resists motion thereby allowing the door to open without resistance, the freewheel engaging as the door is closed to provide a resistance as the door is closed, and the linkage positioned such that as the door is nearly closed that the resistance becomes negligible allowing the door to fully close.

Abstract: A door stop includes an elongated body defining an axis, at least one attachment structure disposed near a first end of the elongated body, and at least one adornment coupler. The adornment coupler can include a channel formed in the elongated body parallel to its axis and having a cross-section in the shape of an inverted “T”. The adornment coupler enables different adornments to be interchangeably attached to the door stop. An adornment of the invention includes a decorative portion and a mounting structure coupled to the decorative portion. The mounting structure is configured to removably engage a complementary adornment coupler (e.g., the channel) of the door stop, whereby the adornment can be mounted to the door stop.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a body and a door that is movably mounted to the body. The door has a powered latch and an electrically-powered actuator that extends and retracts a plunger from an inner side of the door. A controller unlatches the powered latch and actuates the electrically-powered actuator such that the plunger contacts the body and pushes the door open. The controller then controls the electrically-powered actuator to retract the plunger while the door is open.

Abstract: A gate opening apparatus includes an external housing, a main chassis, a motor device, a driving rotor, a plurality of guiding rollers, a transmission chain connecting the driving rotor, the guiding rollers and a door gate, and a gate actuating arrangement. The gate actuating arrangement includes a clutching device supported on the main chassis and connected to the motor device, a limit switch assembly coupled to the clutching device, and a control module. The gate opening apparatus is arranged to operate between a power mode and a manual mode. In the power mode, the clutching device is engaged with the driving rotor for driving a movement thereof by the motor device so as to selectively open and close the door gate. In the manual mode, the clutching device is disengaged from the driving rotor so that the driving rotor is adapted for being rotated manually.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a method for the remote-controlled operation of a tailgate of a motor vehicle. A sensor arrangement of the motor vehicle detects environmental data of the motor vehicle. A control apparatus of the motor vehicle triggers the opening of the tailgate on receiving a wireless opening signal from an operator and triggers the closing of the tailgate on receiving a wireless closing signal from an operator. The control apparatus checks for the presence of at least one closure condition of the tailgate that is independent of the wireless closing signal based on the environmental data detected by the sensor arrangement during opening of the tailgate, and if the closure condition is present, the control apparatus triggers the closing of the tailgate.

Abstract: An exemplary fitting for a mullion includes a first bracket, a second bracket nested with the first bracket, and a lock cylinder assembly selectively coupling the first bracket and the second bracket. The nested brackets include a set of interleaved walls, and openings in the walls cooperate to define a pocket in which the lock cylinder assembly is seated. The lock cylinder assembly includes an armature having a first position and second position. When in the first position, the armature prevents removal of the lock cylinder assembly from the pocket such that the lock cylinder assembly prevents separation of the brackets. With the armature in the second position, the lock cylinder assembly can be removed from the pocket, after which the brackets can be separated from one another.

Abstract: A doorsill for forming the bottom of an entryway. The doorsill has a substrate to be disposed above a subfloor and a lifter provided on the substrate capable of extending from a bottom of the substrate. The lifter is adjustable to change the orientation or position of the bottom relative to the subfloor.

Abstract: A novel front sash closure for a fumehood of the sort comprising a workspace defined by a frame and accessed by a front opening, the front sash closure comprising: a transparent fixed pane and a transparent hinged pane; wherein the transparent fixed pane is securely mounted to the frame of the fumehood so as to partially cover the front opening of the fumehood, whereby to reduce the size of the front opening of the fumehood to a working opening; and wherein the transparent hinged pane is hingedly mounted to the frame of the fumehood intermediate the working opening so as to be able to selectively cover a portion of the working opening.

Abstract: A window or door system includes a window or door panel, a sidewall, and a frame bolted to the sidewall. In some arrangements, the frame is inverse U-shaped or O-shaped and includes a first channel for receiving the window or door panel. A trim member secured to the frame and extending across the U- or O-shape includes a second channel for receiving the window or door panel. A connector may extend through the trim member and the window or door panel across the second channel. The structure is configured to pass test requirements in ISO 8084, Machinery for Forestry—Operator Protective Structures.

Abstract: A method of producing a vacuum insulated glass (VIG) unit comprising providing first and second substantially parallel glass panes, a plurality of pillars, and a peripheral seal between the first and second glass panes; providing an evacuation hole for evacuating a void through the evacuation hole to a pressure less than atmospheric pressure, wherein the first and second glass panes are tempered glass; covering the evacuation hole with an evacuation head, wherein the evacuation head is configured to have a substantially hermetic contact to a surface of the first glass pane, wherein a contact width of the evacuation head to the surface of the first glass pane is less than 50 mm; and evacuating the void through the evacuation head.

Abstract: In one aspect, a shutter assembly includes a shutter frame and a plurality of louvers supported by the frame. The shutter assembly also includes a louver drive assembly and a motor positioned within the frame. The motor is configured to rotationally drive a drive shaft extending within the frame. Additionally, the shutter assembly includes a clutch assembly rotationally coupled between the drive shaft and the louver drive assembly. The clutch assembly is configured to disengage or decouple the drive shaft from the louver drive assembly when a torque transmitted through the clutch assembly exceeds a given torque threshold.

Abstract: A rail for a covering for an architectural opening is provided. The rail may be attachable to a shade member of the covering. The rail may include a magnet assembly that is at least partially positioned within a retention channel formed in the rail to releasably secure the rail to a head rail. The magnet assembly may be positionable along a longitudinal axis of the rail and may include a cam lock assembly that releasably secures the magnet assembly within the retention channel of the rail. According to the present disclosure, the head rail and the rail are held in close proximity to each other to inhibit the passage of light between the rail and a head rail.

Abstract: A window blind includes top and bottom beams, and many slats disposed therebetween. The top beam has two opposite lateral holes. The window blind further includes a slat folding transmission device having a cord rolling member disposed in the top beam, and two opposite lift transmission cords passing through the lateral holes of the lateral plates of the top beam respectively. Two ends of each lift transmission cord are connected with the bottom beam and the cord rolling member respectively, so that the two lift transmission cords can pull the bottom beam simultaneously when being rolled by the cord rolling member, thereby moving the bottom beam upwardly to fold up the slats. Therefore, the slats of the window blind of the invention need no processing and keep complete in structure, thereby providing good effect of blocking out the light when being adjusted to the inclined condition.

Abstract: A winder for a blind system, comprising a drive member rotatable in a drive direction and a free direction; a driven member to engage a blind cylinder; a transmission mechanism to selectively transmit rotation of the drive member to the driven member, the transmission mechanism including an intermediate transmission member and an intermediate resistor to provide resistance to rotation of the intermediate transmission member, wherein the transmission mechanism has a drive state when the drive member is rotated in the drive direction to overcome the resistance of the intermediate resistor and transmit rotation of the drive member through the intermediate transmission member to the driven member, and a free state when the drive member is rotated in the free direction, wherein transmission is broken between the drive member and the intermediate transmission member and intermediate resistor.

Abstract: A gate is provided and includes a gate body, a hinge assembly attached to a first side of the gate body, and a support bracket. The hinge assembly includes a pin assembly and an actuating assembly capable of moving a pin of the pin assembly between a retracted position and an extended position. The support bracket engages the pin in the extended position and is disengaged from the pin in the retracted position. The gate body has an axis of rotation extending through the pin when the pin engages the support bracket and is freely movable with respect to the support bracket when the pin is disengaged from the support bracket.

Abstract: A turntable system for use between a secured area and an unsecured area of a facility in which the turntable system includes a turntable having a base and interior support area, an input door connected to the turntable at the secured area where items can be loaded through the input door and an output door connected to the turntable at the unsecured area and at a location disposed away from the input door where the items are received via said output door at the unsecured area. The turntable system further includes at least one blocking wall that is disposed within the interior support area of the turntable and, at least a portion of which, is moveable out of the way as the base of the turntable is rotated in delivering the items from the input door to the output door.

Abstract: A telescopic device achieves both simultaneous unlocking of paired locking units and easy unlocking of one locking unit, and includes: outer casings; insertion bodies; vertically-arranged rung members; a locking mechanism; and an operating mechanism having an operating member. The locking mechanism comprises retention portion of the insertion body and locking member supported on the outer casing for engagement with and disengagement from the retention portion by separating-approaching motion. The locking member is interlocked to operating member extending from the locking mechanism toward the upper rung member. The operating mechanism has an operating rod for coupling the paired operating members for concurrent movements in unlocking direction. Each end of the operating rod and one operating member are fitted together so that, when manipulating one end of the operating rod in unlocking direction, the operating rod is inclined for movement of one operating member in unlocking direction.

Abstract: A stepladder having a front side, a rear side and a top. The stepladder can include a conduit holder attached to the front side for holding conduit. The stepladder can include a first wire spool holder attached to the front side and a second wire spool holder attached to the rear side though which a conduit having a wire spool extends. The stepladder can include a hacksaw hook attached to the front side. A method for cutting a conduit. A method for using a hacksaw. A method for obtaining wire.

Abstract: Systems and methods of counteracting downhole reactive forces within a directional drilling tool are disclosed. The directional drilling tool includes a steering mechanism for selectively pivoting a bit shaft with respect to an elongate housing. A preloaded flexible member may be provided between an upper end of the bit shaft and an elongate housing to counteract reactive forces applied by a geological formation on a drill bit at a lower end of the bit shaft. Where sufficient reactive forces are transmitted through the bit shaft to overcome the preload, the flexible member will be induced to flex, permitting some movement of the upper end of the bit shaft. This movement limits the force that may be applied by the steering mechanism, which can extend the useful life of the directional drilling tool and may permit the power required to drive the drill bit to be maintained at a consistent value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus according to which an output of a power generation system is controlled. In one embodiment, the power generation system includes a turbine and a feedback control system. The turbine includes a rotor to which a first portion of a power fluid is communicated, the first portion imparting torque to the rotor; a shaft to which the rotor is connected; a shroud extending circumferentially about the rotor and the shaft; and a bypass gap between the rotor and the shroud, through which a second portion of the power fluid is communicated. The feedback control system axially displaces the shroud relative to the rotor, thereby adjusting the size of the bypass gap and, consequently, the ratio of the first portion relative to the second portion.

Abstract: One or more ram accelerator devices may be used to form one or more holes in geologic or other material. These holes may be used for drilling, tunnel boring, excavation, and so forth. The ram accelerator includes one or more baffles that are downhole. The ram accelerator devices propel projectiles which are accelerated by combustion of one or more combustible gasses in a ram effect to reach velocities exceeding 500 meters per second. An endcap may be deployed within a tube of the ram accelerator device to prevent incursion of formation pressure products such as oil, water, mud, gas, and so forth into a guide tube of the ram accelerator. The endcap may be maintained in place within the hole at least in part by the one or more baffles. During operation the projectile penetrates the endcap and at least a portion thereof impacts a working face.

Abstract: A coiled tubing rig includes a skid, a mast, and a drill floor. The mast may be pivotably coupled to the skid and may be moved between a horizontal position and a vertical position by a hydraulic cylinder. The drill floor may be pivotably coupled to the mast. The drill floor may be moved from a retracted to a deployed position by a hydraulic cylinder. The skid may include a BOP cradle and BOP controls. The coiled tubing rig may include a jib which may telescopically or pivotably extend from the mast. The coiled tubing rig may include a coiled tubing injector which is slidably positionable between a retracted and a deployed position.

Abstract: A method of drilling vertical and horizontal pathways to mine for solid natural resources involves a drill bit, at least one reamer, a first plugging material, and a second plugging material; drilling a testing wellbore to a specific vertical depth with the drill bit and identifying at least one desired mining section wherein the desired mining section is associated with a corresponding vertical depth; creating a new bottom end for the testing wellbore by filling the testing wellbore up to an offset distance with the first plugging material; drilling a horizontal access hole from the new bottom end into the desired mining section with the drill bit and enlarging it with a reamer; excavating cuttings from the desired mining section through the horizontal access hole; filling the horizontal access hole with the second plugging material; and repeating the drilling, enlarging, and filling process to create a plurality of lateral holes.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a well boring apparatus, and associated components, for drilling wellbores without the necessity of traditional well drilling equipment. The well boring apparatus operates on similar principles as a tunnel boring apparatus. The well boring apparatus is self-propelled, steerable, and can be launched from a topside vessel or directly from a seabed installation. The well boring apparatus is fully instrumented and capable of analyzing the surrounding environment including the temperature, pressure, acidity and the presence of particular chemicals. The well boring apparatus is highly modular such that it can be configured for different tasks. The well boring apparatus can include components to case/line the wellbore during drilling, eliminating the need for running casing/lining. Further, the well boring apparatus can be incorporated in a drilling system in which cuttings are processed at the seabed, thereby removing the need for a drilling riser.

Abstract: A shaft enlargement arrangement for a boring system is provided, the shaft enlargement arrangement comprising a hollow column proximate a lower end of the boring system; a first cutter head that is rotatably fitted to the hollow column, with first drive means being provided to rotate the first cutter head relative to the hollow column so as to bore downwardly a hole having a diameter corresponding substantially to the diameter of the first cutter head; and a boring head arrangement fitted to an operatively lower end of the column, the boring head arrangement terminating in a second cutter head to bore a leading hole as the boring system proceeds to bore downwardly. In an embodiment, the first cutter head comprises a support body carrying a winged arrangement, the support body being rotatably fitted to the column, the winged arrangement comprising a plurality of wings extending from the support body, each wing being fitted with, or comprising, a plurality of first cutter elements.

Abstract: Rotatable elements for use with earth-boring tools include a movable element and a stationary element. The movable element and stationary element include an index positioning feature that is configured to rotate the movable element as the movable element moves between a first axial position and a second axial position.