Abstract: An energy absorbing system for controlling the force where a moving object engages a stationary stop and where the system utilized telescopic tubular members, energy absorbing diaphragm elements, force regulating disc springs, and a return spring to return the telescoping member to its start position after stroking. The energy absorbing system has frusto-conical diaphragm elements frictionally engaging the shaft and are opposed by a force regulating set of disc springs. In principle, this force feedback mechanism serves to keep the stroking load at a reasonable level even if the friction coefficient increases greatly. This force feedback device also services desensitize the singular and combined effects of manufacturing tolerances, sliding surface wear, temperature changes, dynamic effects, and lubricity.

Abstract: Disclosed is an air-applied, mechanically-held brake assembly and a vehicle air brake system employing the same. The brake assembly applies and releases the brake upon the supply and exhaust, respectively, of air from a first pressure chamber. The brake assembly locks and unlocks the brake in an applied position by the exhaust and supply, respectively, of air from a second pressure chamber. The locking mechanism of the brake assembly is designed to compound the force of the fluid pressure in the first pressure chamber with the force of the fluid pressure supplied to the second pressure chamber when unlocking the brake to compensate for back pressure.

Abstract: An overspeed brake mechanism for a storage and retrieval vehicle (SRV). The brake mechanism includes wedges acting between a brake block attached to the load carriage of the SRV and the mast of the SRV. The wedges are biased into engagement with the mast and are held out of engagement under normal operating conditions by electromagnets which apply an attractive force to the wedges, the electromagnets being de-energized by a control system responsive to an overspeed signal from a tachometer generator on the load carriage and having its input member in engagement with the mast. In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, permanent magnets imbedded in the wedges bias the wedges into light contact with the mast to insure that there will be no lost motion between the wedges and the mast when the brake is activated.

Abstract: An overspeed brake mechanism for a storage and retrieval vehicle (SRV). The brake mechanism includes wedges acting between a brake block attached to the load carriage of the SRV and a rail fixed to the mast of the SRV. The wedges are biased into braking engagement with the mast and are held out of braking engagement under normal operating conditions by a solenoid acting through a linkage system, the solenoid being de-energized by a control system responsive to an overspeed signal from a tachometer generator on the load carriage and having its input member in engagement with the mast. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, permanent magnets embedded in the wedges bias the wedges away from contact with the rail to prevent inadvertent engagement of the brake system while maintaining the wedges in position for rapid engagement.

Abstract: A positioning mechanism includes a housing, at least one holding member inserted into a lateral opening formed in the housing at the side wall, thereof and an electrostrictive effect element mounted on the holding member. When the electrostrictive effect element is energized, it expands to urge the holding member against a moving member which is to be stopped and held a desired location.

Abstract: A slip-type gripping assembly comprises an outer body defining a longitudinal through opening for receipt of the object. A number of slip bodies are circumferentially spaced about the through opening and are radially movable toward and away from the locus of the object. Each slip body is pivotable about a generally longitudinal axis generally circumferentially centered with respect to the slip body as well as about a tangential axis. A respective force transfer formation is cooperative between each slip body and the outer body for transferring radial force therebetween while permitting the pivoting.

Abstract: The apply and release hydraulic parking valve (20, 120) comprises a housing (40, 140) having therein a bore (42) with first (52, 152) and second (54, 154) reservoir grooves communicating with one or more reservoir ports (46, 146A, 146B), a supply groove (63) communicating with a supply port (47, 147), and apply (44, 144) and release ports (48, 148) communicating with said bore (42, 142). A spool valve (60, 160) is located slidably within the bore (42), the spool valve (60, 160) activated by a lever (31, 131) received within an opening (67, 167) of the spool valve (60, 160). One end of the spool valve (60, 160) has a pair of washers (74, 76) disposed thereabout with a spring member (80, 180) located about the spool valve (60, 160) and between the washers (74, 76), and a stop sleeve (82, 182) located about the spool valve (160, 60). The spool valve (60, 160) includes a chamfered groove (61) engaging a check valve (50, 150) within the supply port (47, 147).

Abstract: A lockdown apparatus for releasably locking a coaxially mounted series of tool heads in a slitter-scorer machine includes an elongate locking member movable into simultaneous engagement with locking surfaces on each of the tool heads and a flexible membrane interposed directly between the locking member and the locking surfaces which membrane is flexed into and out of direct locking engagement with the locking surfaces by movement of the locking member. The flexible membrane may be used with either a rotary or reciprocal locking member and, in either case, the flexible membrane may be secured against movement with respect to the tool heads when they are locked such that unavoidable longitudinal movement of the locking member will not disrupt the critically accurate locked positions of the tool heads. The rotary lockdown apparatus utilizes an elongate cam of the type known in the prior art and, in the reciprocal lockdown apparatus, the locking bar comprises the armature of a solenoid.

Abstract: At least one rod is normally locked by toothed rollers cooperating with toothed slanted inner portions of V-shaped locking members controlled by a locking cam. The V-shaped locking members are guided within an inner casing of a polygonal shape that has a lower portion for supporting the rod. The lower portion comprises two slanted inner elements which cooperate with a fluted roller placed underneath the underside of the rod. Under an impact, the fluted roller is locked underneath the rod by moving upwardly along one of the two slanted inner elements.

Abstract: A gas-spring arrangement includes a gas-spring which has a substantially tubular, external casing (2) and a rod (3) which is guided for axial movement in the casing, between two terminal positions and is dampened by means of gas constrictions. The gas-spring includes attachment links at each end for attachment of the gas-spring between mutually movable devices or structures, such as a pivoted hood on a sunbed. The gas-spring arrangement includes a friction device (6) which is operative to brake the relative axial movement between the gas-spring casing (2) and the gas-spring rod (3), and also to fix the casing (2) and the rod (3) in selective relative positions, i.e., positions between the terminal positions, and when combined with a hooded sunbed, can maintain the hood in a desired raised position.

Abstract: An apparatus for gripping a down hole tubular for support and rotation, or a string of such tubulars, includes a body element adapted to be rotated at high torques either by a top head drive or a rotary table of an earth drilling machine. Gripping elements are mounted in a central cavity of the body element, and each gripping element includes a lower gripping portion shaped to engage a tapered shoulder of a length of drill pipe to support the drill pipe and an upper gripping portion shaped to engage the tool joint of the drill pipe to rotate the drill pipe. First guides are secured between the body element and the lower gripping portions in the central cavity, and these first guides are oriented to approach one another toward a lower portion of the body element. Second guides are secured between the upper and lower gripping portions, and these second guides are oriented to approach one another at an acute angle with respect to the axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brake block especially for the roll carrier shaft in fabric tenters which has: two opposite braking blocks (13, 14) carried by two shoes (15, 16) which are pivoted on a support (18) and movable in a scissor action; control members (23, 24) which are inserted between the tails of said shoes for their movement in scissor action and the closing/opening of the blocks on the shaft to be braked; and an actuator (12) for the movement of said control members.

Abstract: Simplified assembly and reduced parts count in a linear mechanical lock assembly of the type where a rod is normally gripped against axial translation through a housing by a coil spring and released by unwinding the spring, is achieved by a one piece housing with integrally formed spring containment and rod bearing elements.

Abstract: The present specification discloses a clamp member and a torque taking member with the clamp member being slidably mounted on the torque taking member by at least one sliding pin connection, whereby the clamp member can slide relative to the torque taking member to apply a friction pad to each side of a braking disc. The at least one pin connection comprises a pin which engages in a bore with a flexible sleeve located on the pin, the flexible sleeve engaging the wall of the bore. The pin has a two part construction with the flexible sleeve located between said parts, said parts being secured together so as to deform the flexible sleeve radially outwardly into engagement with the wall of the bore.

Abstract: A vehicle steering column incorporates a device to allow manual reach adjustment of the steering column. Actuating means is provided to pull the steering wheel away from the driver in the event of an impact of the vehicle. Two legs, slidably connected to the steering column and one of the legs connected to a pulling cable of the actuating means, each have along one edge ramps and along the opposite edges have serrated portions. One leg is inverted relative to the other so that they mate with the ramps of one leg nesting in valleys defined by the ramps of the other leg. A shear element normally secures the legs. The legs are located by two guide rails in a serrated block assembly with its serrations lying closely adjacent but normally clear of leg serrations. Upon vehicle impact, the cable is pulled and one leg tries to separate from the other leg, the shear element breaks and the serrations on the legs lock into the serrations of the serrated block assembly.

Abstract: Novel braking system, assemblies, and methods for storage and retrieval vehicles finding particular application on dual mast storage and retrieval vehicles where it is important to brake both sides of a carriage disposed between the two masts simultaneously. The braking system comprises an actuator assembly which further comprises a tach/generator which derives rotational energy from the rate-of-travel of the carriage relative to an associated guide rail. An electrical circuit, which runs off power derived from the tach/generator, detects overspeed rate-of-travel of the carriage and sends an electrical signal, also deriving power from the tach/generator, to electrically actuate at least one brake. Each brake is firmly affixed to the carriage and comprises a cam which is electrically driven by a solenoid, to engage an associated guide rail when actuated. When the cam is actuated and the carriage falls toward the braking cam, interposed shock absorbers decelerate the carriage.

Abstract: An angle adjusting device for a display device has a pair of fixed axes abutted on the both ends of a rotatable axis and a pair of coil spring wound over the abutted portions. The angle of inclination of the display device is arbitrarily controlled by a total frictional torque obtained between the inner walls of the coil springs and the rotatable and fixed axes.

Abstract: An all metal energy dissipator construction for dissipating kinetic energy force (F) by rolling balls (26) which are forced by a tapered surface (32) on an expandable sleeve (22) to frictionally load a force rod (15). The balls (26) are maintained in an initial position (FIG. 1) by a plate member (48) which is biased by a spring member (50). A spring member (52) returns the force rod (15) to its initial position after a loading force (F) is removed.

Abstract: A locking cartridge (20) is supported on the carriage of a linear movement unit, which carriage is movable and positionable on at least one guide rod (8). The locking cartridge (20) contains two clamping members (34r, 34l) of identical construction which are oriented symmetrically to each other with respect to a plane perpendicular to the guide rod and which have head pieces (38r, 38l) seated on the guide rod (8), as well as cam surfaces (501) facing away from said head pieces and serving for spreading the clamping members apart by means of a spreading pin (48), so that the head pieces are clamped to the guide rod (8). The spreading pin (48) is held by an annular sleeve (46) surrounding the clamping members and acted upon by a pressure member (54) against the bias of a coil spring (44). The pressure member is located at the bottom of a cylindrical casing into which a fluid line opens.

Abstract: A self-containing brake assembly adapted to be mounted on a strip feeding device to apply an adjustable frictionally braking force to the strip includes a first braking element mountable upon a feed table. A second braking element having spaced opposed webs located at opposite sides of the first element is guided by guide pins fixed to one element and received in bores in the other for movement between a braking position wherein a work piece strip is frictionally gripped between one side of the first braking element and the opposed web of the second and a release position in which the opposed web is disengaged from the strip. An adjustable spring resiliently biases the elements towards the braking position an eccentric release cam may be manually operated to shift the elements to their release position.

Abstract: A slip gripping mechanism is shown for supporting a cylindrical conduit within the interior bore of a circumscribing conduit in a well bore. An outer body is provided as a part of the cylindrical conduit and has circumferentially spaced, longitudinally disposed slots. Axially shiftable slips are carried on the outer body of the cylindrical conduit in the slots with each of the slips having opposing side edges which engage mating profiles formed in the slots whereby the slots form guideways for the slips for shifting the slips axially and radially outward relative to the outer body between a set position engaging the circumscribing conduit and an unset position. Each of the axially shiftable slips has a lower surface and an upper gripping surface, the upper gripping surface being formed on a longitudinal radius as drawn from a center point located in a plane parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the cylindrical conduit.

Abstract: A relatively simple electromechanical cruise control for a vehicle includes a hydrostatic drive linkage having a flat portion connecting two links and extending adjacent an electromagnet fixed to the frame of the vehicle. Actuation of the control under preselected operating conditions activates the electromagnet to hold the flat portion stationary and thereby maintain a given hydrostatic control position. Interlock circuitry deactivates the magnet if the operator touches the brake, leaves his seat or turns off either the cruise switch or ignition switch.

Abstract: An adjustable bed includes a patient operated linear positioner, a rail assembly and a leg lift mechanism. The patient operated linear positioner includes a subassembly with a bellcrank which pivots by a patient operated soft strap. When the strap is pulled, the bellcrank pushes a cable inward which, in turn, releases a positioner rod so that the bed may be adjusted. The side rail assembly includes a J-shaped attachment bar and an idler link which acts to move the side rail both upward and forward when the head section of the adjustable bed is raised. A bed side rail may be attached to a bed frame through the use of a unique attachment mechanism which requires no tools. A further aspect of the invention utilizes a scissors-type leg lifting mechanism for holding and controlling the rate of collapsing movement of the foot section of a bed mattress frame. The leg lifting mechanism includes a mechanical lock and gas piston subassembly.

Abstract: The load sensing brake proportioning valve of a vehicle comprises a first piston (14) sliding in a stepped bore made in a body, and carrying a normally open shutter (18) arranged between a source of fluid under pressure and the associated brake circuit, the first piston (14) being moveable counter to a spring (16) under the effect of the pressure of the fluid which tends to close the shutter (18), a sliding rod (24) normally bearing between a pusher (20), the position of which is a function of the load of the vehicle, and the shutter (18). The proportioning valve comprises a locking mechanism immobilizing the sliding rod (24) as soon as the pressure of the fluid in the associated brake circuit exceeds a specific threshold.

Abstract: A workpiece transfer arm for supporting and moving a workpiece from one position to another has a telescopic arm one end of which is secured to a mounting bracket and the opposite end of which carries a workpiece support for engagement by the workpiece. The telescopic arm has a rod accommodated in a sleeve. The rod has a plurality of annular grooves occupied by a thermoplastic adhesive which, when at ambient temperature, is solid and fixes the rod in the sleeve. At elevated temperatures, however, the adhesive liquefies and enables relative movement between the sleeve and the rod to enable the position of the workpiece support to be adjusted.

Abstract: A mechanical lock of the type where as spring wound about a rod normally grips the rod against axial movement through a lock housing is improved by providing a lightly scored surface finish on contacting surfaces of the rod and the spring, the scoring being transverse to the rod and excluding contacting surfaces of adjacent coils of the spring for enhanced frictional resistance to axial sliding displacement of the rod through the spring while maintaining low friction unwinding of the spring.

Abstract: A telescopic steering column apparatus has a press member for face-to-face abutment or a pair of lock members for two-point abutment and a toggle mechanism which is extended to a straight state and retracted to a bent state so that the length of the toggle mechanism is lengthened in the straight state and shortened in the bent state whereby the toggle mechanism acts as a wedge in the straight state for the face-to-face abutment or the two-point abutment.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for maintaining an open door in a selected fixed position includes a keyed shaft which passes through a plurality of elliptically shaped discs via apertures centrally located in the discs are mounted. The long axis of each disc is aligned to that of the other discs and the discs are pressed together from either side along the axis of the shaft between two compression springs. Angled stop members located to the outside of the compression springs displace the discs along their long axis at a small angle from the plane perpendicular to the shaft. The small angle is chosen to produce a substantially circular projection of the discs in a plane perpendicular to the shaft. The shaft, with its mounted discs, springs, and angled stop members, is placed within a housing of cylindrical cross section having an interior diameter selected such that the discs are in frictional contact with the internal surface of the housing and the shaft is thus slidably but frictionally disposed in the housing.

Abstract: A brake assembly is disclosed for selectively preventing rotation of a shaft, such as a shaft used in a control rod drive for a nuclear reactor. The brake assembly includes a stationary base, a rotor disc fixedly connected to the shaft for rotation therewith, and a brake member disposed adjacent to the rotor disc. The rotor disc includes at least one rotor tooth and the brake member includes at least one braking tooth. The member is selectively positionable in a deployed position for allowing the braking tooth to contact the rotor tooth for preventing rotation of the shaft in a first direction while permitting roation in the opposite direction, and in a retracted position for allowing the rotor disc and shaft to rotate in either direction without restraint from the brake member.

Abstract: A pressure difference relief valve, viz. a pressure relief valve or a vacuum relief valve, for a liquid container has a valve body which opens or closes a valve opening of a valve housing in response to the pressure difference between the interior of the valve housing and the ambient atmosphere. The valve body is connected to a slidably mounted stem. The valve is constructed with spring elements which are clamped against the stem from opposite sides thereof at a controlled force to create a frictional resistance to sliding movement of the stem. Hereby any tendency of the valve to vacillate between the closed position and a fully open position under the influence of fluctuations of the gas or air flow, e.g. caused by turbulence, is eliminated or reduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure fluid mechanism comprising: a reaction cam; a cylinder block mounted to rotate relative to the cam and including a central void and an axial extension enabling it to be fixed to a support; and an internal fluid distributor valve constrained to rotate with the cam by a link mechanism which extends inside the central void, the cylinder block and its extension constituting an assembly which is interposed between the cam and the internal fluid distributor valve. According to the invention: a) a braking device is disposed at the end of the mechanism towards which the link device extends, the braking device being disposed between the cylinder block and the cam and including a chamber containing brake disks, which chamber is delimited by a cover; b) the link mechanism is constrained to rotate together with the cover of the chamber containing the disks; and c) the cover of the chamber is constrained to rotate with the cam.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for the selective clamping of an axially moveable or rotatable cylindrical shaft. The device disclosed may be either of a spring actuated-pressure release or a pressure actuated spring release embodiment. A clamping sleeve is located coaxially surrounding the cylindrical shaft to be immobilized. The clamping sleeve is separated into clamping elements at one end by longitudinal slots in the generally cylindrical sleeve. An actuating element is also arranged coaxially to the cylindrical body and the clamping sleeve and is mounted exterior to the clamping sleeve. The clamping elements are located radially inwardly from the actuating element and are separated therefrom by a series of bearings. The bearings engage the actuating element and the clamping elements through matched sets of inclined ramp elements. Each clamping element is provided with a set of bearings and ramp elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a brake arrangement in linear motion operating devices of the kind which comprises a cylinder (1), a piston which is movable in the cylinder, and a rail (3) which is mounted on the outside of the cylinder (1), parallel with the cylinder axis, and which extends substantially along the whole stroke path of the piston. The rail is configured with slide surfaces (8) on opposite sides thereof, and the arrangement further comprises a slide (14) which is configured with slide shoes (15) and which is guided for linear movement along the slide by the slide surfaces (8), this slide being connected to a dogging element (2) connected to the piston.

Abstract: A piston seal device of pneumatic cylinder which satisfies the required tightness of a seal as well as the required lubrication characteristics for a piston movement is disclosed. The piston seal device for maintining different pressures acting on each side of the piston of pneumatic cylinder comprises slide rings located on peripheries of both sides of piston, a seal ring located at the outer part of pressure room formed along the periphery of central part of the piston and operated by pneumatic pressure of the pressure room, and a solenoid valve which operates in selection modes to supply the pressurized air into the pressure room. Slide rings are located with a proper distance at the peripheries of both sides of a piston installed in a pneumatic cylinder and at the center of a piston an expansionable seal is applied.

Abstract: A casing brake is disclosed for use in combination with a generally tubular stuffing horn over which casing is released for filling with material discharged from the horn. The brake is of the type which includes a rigid housing which retains a deformable insert that fits over the horn and cooperates with the horn to engage the casing against the horn. Thus casing brake includes a first annular insert that has a throughbore with a circumferential groove on the inside of the throughbore with a second annular inner member which is comprised of a helical coil positioned within the groove, the inner member preferably being comprised of polytetrafluoroethylene with the outer member being elastically deformable with respect to the inner member to thereby alter the effective diameter of the groove causing an increase or decrease the diameter of the coil which, in turn, more loosely or more tightly grips the outside surface of the casing as it passes over the horn.

Abstract: A cam operated rail clamping device comprising: a base; a vertically disposed post projecting upwardly from the base and secured thereto; a tube rotatably and slidably mounted on the post; a hydraulically operated lift cylinder for raising the tube; a vertically disposed beam extending upwardly from the base and secured thereto; a horizontally disposed flange secured to the lower end of the tube; a clamping jaw carried by the flange and provided with a plurality of teeth for engagement with one side of a rail; a wearing shoe carried by the base for engagement with the other side of the rail; the flange being mounted for rotation about the post to bring the high point of the jaw into wedging action with the rail when the flange engages the top of the rail; and, a set of microswitches for cam positioning.

Abstract: An slip bowl assembly for supporting multiple pipes in a well casing includes at least two bowls which can be moved away from the centerline of the well by remote control, to allow large collars or tools on the pipe to pass through the assembly.

Abstract: A steering column for motor vehicles with a steering shaft that is movable in the axle direction and held by a positive connection notching. The notching is formed between a jacket barrel (1) placed so that it is fixed from turning, and a solid body thrust bearing (2) and consists of toothed gearing segments (4, 5) on the width of the jacket barrel (1) and anchored toothed elements (6, 7) that are movable on the thrust bearing (2) with at least a gear tooth (9, 10). Wedge bodies (11, 12) are provided that by means of a control are movable in the bolt position brought about by the notching. The gearing tooth portions on the jacket barrel (1) include at least two segments (4, 5) developed with the same tooth spacing, that nevertheless are arranged around a half gear segment displaced with respect to each other.

Abstract: An hydraulically operated slip assembly useful to grip pipe being run into or pulled from a well. This assembly has upper and lower plates, each having a passage for pipe. Wedges, carrying unique slip systems are positioned around the passages between the plates and are slidably mounted for guided radial movement inwardly to initially grip pipe in neutral position and outwardly to ungrip pipe as moved by an hydraulic cylinder pivotally mounted aside on the lower plate. The unique slip systems automatically increase gripping force on initially gripped pipe on more than about 0.7 inches up or down movement from neutral position caused by loads on the pipe. Forces resulting from increased pipe gripping force on pipe develop frictional forces within the slip assembly, which effectively prevent outward movement of the wedges after inadvertent or on purpose operation of the cylinder to ungrip the pipe.

Abstract: An extendable rail system is comprised of a support beam, a slide beam and a storage beam. The slide beam and storage beam extend horizontally and are supported by load rollers at one end and by a grooved roller at the other end. The grooved roller of the slide beam mates with an extension of the support beam. The grooved roller of the storage beam mates with an extension on the slide beam. The slide beam includes first and second lateral flanges. Roller members attached to the support beam and to the storage beam, roll along the inner tracks of the flanges to hold the slide beam adjacent the support beam and the storage beam adjacent the slide beam. A brake is provided comprising a rod extending the length of the storage beam and first and second member connected to the storage beam. Both members have an opening for slidable movement of the members along the tube.

Abstract: A piston rod-free pressure cylinder, in which a force reducer (15) is connected by means of a lateral projection (14) to the working piston (13), has a brake mechanism (19), which acts with a brake lining (27) on the outside of the pressure cylinder (11). Action takes place in such a way that no transverse forces are exerted on the projection (14).

Abstract: An adjustable pedestal comprises a tubular base, a tubular collar telescopically, slidably engaging the exterior of the base, a guide tube interior to the base, an extension spring mechanism positioned within the guide tube for biasing the pedestal in an extended position, and a locking mechanism for locking the pedestal in the desired position. The base, collar, and guide tube are coaxial. The collar is movable between an extended and a retracted position with respect to the base, and the guide tube is movable with the collar between an extended and a retracted position with respect to the base. The extension spring mechanism comprises a pair of parallel, spaced-apart extension springs, the axes of which are parallel to the axes of the base, collar, and guide tube and normally biases the collar and the guide tube in their extended positions. The extension springs are in a retracted condition. Thus, when force is exerted on the top of the guide tube, the extension springs assume an extended condition.

Abstract: A shaft-locking device which locks rotation of a movable shaft by a clamping force of a coil spring closely surrounding a fixed shaft and a movable shaft. Both sides of the coil spring are inserted surrounding the fixed shaft and a central portion of the coil spring surrounds the movable shaft. In case of rotation of the movable shaft on both sides, the locking torque is applied. Further, the closed state of the coil spring to the movable shaft is maintained uniformly without any relation to operation by separating the end portions of the coil spring at the movable shaft side of the coil spring from an outer circumference of the movable shaft so that a constant locking torque may be always obtained.

Abstract: An improved string support apparatus used with a ram type blowout preventer in which improved gripping assemblies, each having a bowl body and gripping elements, are positioned in the front face packer recess or recess of the rams which is normally occupied by a ram packer. In such rams, a top seal is used and positioned in a groove in the ram body which extends from side to side across the top of the ram body and the packer extends across the face of the ram and has pins at each side extending into openings in the ram body which are engaged and secured by pins extending from the top seal into openings which intersect with the openings for the packer pins. The bowl body has the general shape of the back of the packer so that it fits into the packer slot in the ram body and it also includes the pins which extend into the openings in the ram body at each side which are secured in place by engagement with the top seal pins.

Abstract: A stem is fixed to a head tube of a bicycle by a fixing device. The stem has an aperture formed in a center. A hole is formed in an upper end of the vertical tube for receiving a spring and a bolt. Two holes are laterally and oppositely formed in a lower portion of the stem, and each receives a piston. The aperture and the holes are filled with oil. The pistons are pushed to engage with an inner surface of the head tube when the bolt is threaded into the upper hole so that the stem can be firmly fixed to the head tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for gripping tubular members about their outer diameter without causing surface damage or structural deformation to the tubular members, so that they may be axially rotated or secured against axial rotation. A generally cylindrical internal sleeve is contained within a molded flexible liner. One side of the internal sleeve is releasably attached to the flexible liner, forming an annular bladder-like structure within the flexible liner. Introduction of pressure into the bladder-like structure causes the flexible liner to inflate radially inward and thereby grip tubular workpieces within the friction grip. Axial splines on the releasable side of internal sleeve interfit mate with corresponding splines of the molded flexible liner, thereby evenly distribute torque forces throughout the flexible liner rather than such torque forces being concentrated at only the edges of the flexible liner.

Abstract: A load bearing structural assembly comprising a threaded lead screw having a central axis, the lead screw having a mounting mechanism and an anchor mechanism affixed to one end thereof; the lead screw having mounted thereon a first drive nut having an opening therethrough, the first drive nut having a predetermined load bearing capacity, the structural assembly having a second drive nut having an opening therethrough the second nut affixed to the first drive nut, the second nut having a much greater predetermined load bearing capacity than the first drive nut; the structural assembly having a collet having an interior and exterior, the collet in communication with the exterior surface of the second drive nut upon the interior of the collet, having an opening therethrough, having a transmission mechanism affixed to the first drive nut and the collet, when the transmission mechanism subjects a load upon the first drive nut in a direction along the lead screw, such load will be subjected upon the collet which wi

Abstract: A normally helically interacting shaft and nut assembly having a common longitudinal axis along which the nut is normally displaced linearly by rotation of the shaft is provided with a wedging surface in a passage, located by or in the nut, inclined at an angle to the longitudinal axis and facing into an aperture in the nut normally partially occupied by a threaded portion of the shaft; and a detent, such as a ball, in the passage. In the event of failure of the normal engagement between nut and shaft (such as can occur with the threads on the nut wearing) free relative linear motion of the nut relative to the threaded shaft causes the wedging surface to displace the detent towards, and into engagement with, the threaded shaft and thereafter maintain the detent in such engagement so as to inhibit further free linear motion by the nut relative to the shaft. At least a part of the nut engaging with the shaft can be of a self lubricating material such as a graphite loaded plastics material.

Abstract: The invention provides an emergency suspension system for use particularly with drill casings in a wellhead. The system, which is intended to surround the casing, comprises an annular bowl member (6) having an internal tapered annular space (16) which reduces in diameter from its upper to its lower end and a support means comprising an annular support element arrangement (28) at least partially formed from resilient material and a plurality of support members (20,22,24) at least partially embedded in said resilient material and having a circular cross-section in at least one direction, said members forming a plurality of annular arrays adapted to surround said tubular member, the uppermost of said arrays (20) comprising support members having said circular cross-section larger than that of a lowermost (24) of said arrays.

Abstract: An hydraulically operated slip assembly useful to grip pipe being run into or pulled from a well. This assembly has upper and lower plates, each having a passage for pipe. Wedges, carrying unique slip systems are positioned around the passages between the plates and are slidably mounted for guided radial movement inwardly to grip pipe and outwardly to ungrip pipe as moved by an hydraulic cylinder pivotally mounted aside on the lower plate. The unique slip systems automatically increase grip on pipe on up or down movement of gripped pipe caused by up or down loads on the pipe. Forces resulting from increased pipe grip develop frictional forces within the slip assembly, which effectively prevent outward movement of the wedges after inadvertent or on purpose operation of the cylinder to ungrip the pipe. The pipe must be returned to near the neutral position where the slip systems are not automatically gripping pipe tighter before the cylinder can move the slip systems outwardly to ungrip pipe.