Abstract:
A pass through socket (12) and wrench (10) combination is disclosed wherein a first drive member (22a, 22b) is provided on the socket's exterior surface and a second drive member (24) is provided on the front side of the ratchet wrench's wheel (26) for engaging the socket's first drive member (22a, 22b) to enable the socket (12) to be driven with the wrench (10). The wrench's wheel (26) defines an axially aligned through hole (30) extending through the wheel (26) for receiving an insertable end of the socket (12) through the front side of the wheel (26). Socket retention means, preferably a snap ring mounted on the front side of the ratchet wheel (26), is also provided.
Abstract:
A tool and a method for sealing a casing or a wellbore according to which a device is supported on a mandrel and expands into engagement with the casing or the wellbore. An explosive cutter is also supported on the mandrel and is adapted to explode to cut the mandrel and the device and release the engagement.
Abstract:
An apparatus for producing light includes a chamber and an ignition source that ionizes a gas within the chamber. The apparatus also includes at least one laser that provides energy to the ionized gas within the chamber to produce a high brightness light. The laser can provide a substantially continuous amount of energy to the ionized gas to generate a substantially continuous high brightness light.
Abstract:
A modular energy absorber 10 that is tunable. It comprises one or more energy absorbing modules 12. The energy absorbing modules 12 have means for coordinating 14 energy absorbing units 16 of the one or more modules. The means 14 for coordinating position and support the units 16 in relation to each other before and during relative motion between an incident object and the energy absorber. The units 16 are provided with an upper perimeter 22, a lower perimeter 24 and an intermediate wall 26 with stiffening male 36 or female 38 ribs. A method for configuring and for making the modular energy absorber are also disclosed.
Abstract:
Systems and methods of providing security by comparing biometric information and access code information are disclosed. In a system according to the invention, there is a biometric reader capable of receiving biometric specimen information, and an adjustable input device used to provide characters of a security access code. That system also includes a controller capable of causing the input device to provide images of characters, which may be randomly positioned on the input device. A database provides authorized biometric samples and corresponding access codes. A microprocessor may be in communication with the biometric reader, the input device and the database, and programmed to carry out certain functions.
Abstract:
A vehicle power steering assembly is provided. The vehicle power steering assembly includes an input shaft having first and second end portions that extend along an axis, and a first aperture that extends substantially axially into the first end portion. The vehicle power steering assembly further includes a torsion shaft having third and fourth end portions. The third end portion has a first plurality of splines and the fourth end portion has a second plurality of splines. The third end portion is disposed in the first aperture of the input shaft. The first plurality of splines on the third end portion fixedly couples the torsion shaft to the input shaft. The vehicle power steering assembly further includes an output shaft having fifth and sixth end portions, and a second aperture that extends substantially axially into the fifth end portion toward the sixth end portion. The fourth end portion of the torsion shaft is disposed in the second aperture of the output shaft. The second plurality of splines on the fourth end portion fixedly couples the torsion shaft to the output shaft. A rotational movement of the input shaft a predetermined distance in a first direction about the axis induces rotational movement of the output shaft in the first direction.
Abstract:
An integrated filter and modular jack for filtering a voice signal delivered over a digital subscriber line between a first communication circuit and a second communication circuit where the voice signal includes analog and digital portions. The modular filter jack includes a connector for receiving the voice signal from a first communication circuit, a high pass filter, and/or a low pass filter. The high pass filter includes a capacitor operatively associated with the connector to block the analog portion of the voice signal while passing the digital portion. The low pass filter includes an inductor operatively associated with the connector to block the digital portion of the voice signal while passing the analog portion. The modular filter jack also includes a receptacle operatively associated with the high pass filter and/or the low pass filter for receiving a connection element to make electrical contact between the first and second communication circuits.
Abstract:
A method and a settling tank for use in separating a solids containing fluid, such as a drilling fluid. The settling tank includes a settling compartment comprised of an inlet and an upper outlet so that the fluid passes through the settling compartment generally in a first direction from the inlet toward the upper outlet. Further, a backwash fluid source directs a backwash fluid within the settling compartment generally in a second direction which is substantially opposite to the first direction. The method includes the steps of passing the fluid through the settling compartment generally in the first direction and directing the backwash fluid within the settling compartment generally in the second direction. Finally, a method is also provided for clarfying a solids containing fluid using a settling tank, wherein the settling tank is comprised of at least three isolatable settling compartments connected in series.
Abstract:
A vacuum cleaner powered by compressed air includes a canister forming an internal collection chamber for collecting liquid and debris sucked up by the vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner includes a drain at the bottom of the collection chamber from which liquid and debris collected in the collection chamber of the vacuum can be drained, when desired, and may also provide for pressurizing the collection chamber for forcing liquid sucked up into the vacuum cleaner through a hose from the drain to a liquid collecting drum or tank. This makes draining the vacuum cleaner collection chamber much easier that in other vacuum cleaners. Preferably the bottom of the chamber slopes toward the drain. The chamber may be pressurized by the compressed air used to power the vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner may also include a separate pressure tank for holding a degreaser, detergent, or soap which can be sprayed onto the residue of a liquid spill after the liquid has been sucked up into the vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner may includes wheels and a handle for easy movement of the vacuum cleaner.
Abstract:
An apparatus for producing light includes a chamber that has a plasma discharge region and that contains an ionizable medium. The apparatus also includes a magnetic core that surrounds a portion of the plasma discharge region. The apparatus also includes a pulse power system for providing at least one pulse of energy to the magnetic core for delivering power to a plasma formed in the plasma discharge region. The plasma has a localized high intensity zone.