A chain sharpening device arranged to sharpen a saw chain. The device comprises a housing (110), arranged to be detachably mounted on the guide bar (3), a sharpening element (140) selectively displaceable relative to the housing between a resting state and a sharpening state, an actuator (150), selectively displaceable between an inactivated state and an activated state, which actuator is connected to the sharpening element and arranged to selectively bring the sharpening element from the resting state to the sharpening state, a first biasing member (160) operatively connected to the actuator and arranged to bias the actuator towards its inactivated state, a second biasing member (170), operatively connected to the sharpening element and arranged to enable relative movement between the actuator and the sharpening element when the sharpening element is in the sharpening state, so as to delimit a force with which the sharpening element (140) can be pressed towards the saw chain.

A method for bonding together components, such as a tip and a shaft which include mutually facing carbide end surfaces. The tip includes circumferentially spaced flutes formed in its cylindrical outer periphery. The shaft has a cylindrical outer periphery and a plurality of coolant holes extending through the shaft. Bonding of the tip to the shaft is performed by inserting gauge wires into the coolant holes and associated flutes, and positioning brazing material between the first and second end surfaces. A water-soluble bond-blocking material is applied to the gauge wires for preventing brazing of the gauge wires to the brazing material. The brazing material is heated to braze the first and second end surfaces together while the flutes and their associated coolant holes are maintained in alignment by the gauge wires. Then, the gauge wires are removed, and residual bond-blocking material is dissolved in water.

A method of manufacturing a roller cone drill bit may include forming a body of a single piece having an upper end and a lower end; machining at the lower end of the body at least two journals extending downward and radially outward from a central axis of the body; machining at least one of a ball passage, a hydraulic fluid passageway, a grease reservoir, and a lubricant passageway; and mounting roller cones on the at least two journals.

A threaded fastener driving tool includes a proximal end portion, a distal driving head, and a torsion zone extending proximally from the driving head, The distal driving head has a central portion and a plurality of driving surfaces. Each pair of adjacent driving surfaces define a driving space therebetween. The driving surfaces and driving spaces are configured to engage a threaded fastener. The torsion zone includes a plurality of helical grooves bounded by non-cutting surfaces, each helical groove in communication with and extending proximally from at least one of the driving spaces. The helical grooves are configured to untwist and cause lengthening of the torsion zone when an input torque applied to the proximal end portion is insufficient to overcome an output resistance torque at the driving head. The torsion zone may comprise a plurality of twisted wires or cables. A method of manufacturing the driving tool is disclosed.

A superabrasive compact (e.g., a polycrystalline diamond compact) including a substrate pre-coated with at least one braze layer and an in-process drill bit assembly including at least one of such superabrasive compacts are disclosed. Pre-coating the substrate with at least one braze layer and dimensioning the pre-coated substrate to fit within the tolerances of a conventionally-sized cutter recess of a drill bit body enables a drill bit manufacture to easily and rapidly braze the disclosed superabrasive compacts into the conventionally-sized cutter recess without substantially decreasing the superabrasive volume of the superabrasive compact.

A method of thermo-mechanically processing a preform composed of tool steel and a tool to modify a workpiece. The preform has a region containing austenite. The method comprises establishing the region at a process temperature between a martensitic start temperature and a stable austenitic temperature. While at the process temperature, the region is deformed to change an outer dimension and to modify the microstructure to a depth of 1 millimeter or more. The tool comprises a member composed of tool steel. The member includes a first region that extends from the outer surface to a depth of greater than 1 millimeter and a second region. The first region includes a plurality of grains having an average misorientation angle greater than about 34°, an average grain size that is at least 10% smaller than the second region, and has a different grain orientation than the second region.

Earth-boring drill bits include a bit body, an element having an attachment feature bonded to the bit body, and a shank assembly. Methods for assembling an earth-boring rotary drill bit include bonding a threaded element to the bit body of a drill bit and engaging the shank assembly to the threaded element. A nozzle assembly for an earth-boring rotary drill bit may include a cylindrical sleeve having a threaded surface and a threaded nozzle disposed at least partially in the cylindrical sleeve and engaged therewith. Methods of forming an earth-boring drill bit include providing a nozzle assembly including a tubular sleeve and nozzle at least partially within a nozzle port of a bit body.

An apparatus and method for manufacturing a downhole tool that reduces failures occurring along a bondline between a cemented matrix coupled around a blank. The cemented matrix material is formed from a powder and a binder material. The blank includes an internal blank component and a coating coupled around at least a portion of the surface of the internal blank component. The internal blank component includes a top portion and a bottom portion. The internal blank component is substantially cylindrically shaped and defines a channel extending through the top portion and the bottom portion. The coating is a metal in some exemplary embodiments. The coating reduces the migration of the binder material into the blank thereby allowing the control of intermetallic compounds thickness within the bondline.

The application comprises a blank for producing a cutting tool with at least one inner bore for conducting fluids, wherein the blank comprises at least a first and a second portion along, its longitudinal axis, wherein the inner bore in the first portion is formed substantially in a straight line and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the blank, and the inner bore in the second portion has a first twist with a first twist angle greater than zero, wherein the blank can be obtained by a continuous pressing operation, in particular a continuous extruding operation. The application also describes an extrusion device for producing a blank, wherein the extrusion device comprises a control element for controlling the twist angle, in particular the first and/or second twist angle.

Razors are described herein. In some instances the razors include a safety razor blade unit that includes a guard, a cap, and at least two blades with parallel sharpened edges located between the guard and cap. A first blade defines a blade edge nearer the guard and a second blade defines a blade edge nearer the cap. The first blade has a cutter force greater than the cutter force of the second blade. In some instances the razors provide a comfortable shave having improved closeness.

A blank may include a tang section, a base section, and an angled section with a recess. The tang section may have an outer surface with an outer diameter. The base section may have an outer surface with a diameter greater than the outer diameter of the tang section. The angled section may lie between the tang section and the base section and may have an outer surface that transitions in diameter from the outer diameter of the tang section to the outer diameter of the base section. The recess in the angled section may be shaped to engage a tip of a former.

A method for manufacturing a bandsaw blade provided at the top of the teeth with cutting tips made of a hard material, includes the steps of: offsetting to the left and right saw teeth constituting left and right offset teeth; forming the saw teeth constituting the left and right offset teeth to a smaller tooth height than that of the saw teeth constituting straight teeth; and grinding cutting tips provided to the top of the left and right offset teeth subsequent to the offsetting step, and machining the edge lines at the top of the left and right offset teeth so that the lines are orthogonal to the travel direction of a bandsaw blade and the cutting direction of the bandsaw blade.

A blade sharpening system using the interior surface of a grinding wheel against which a blade is drawn along its entire length for sharpening. The sharpening system includes a blade holding configuration having multiple hinged arms. A cam operating between two of the hinged arms serves to alter the angle of incidence between the blade and the grinding wheel as the blade is drawn across the grinding wheel. The result is that a wide variety of different blade configurations can be easily accommodated by the sharpening system.

A multi-rod hand-held sharpener includes a handle with an outer grip surface for a hand of a user, a first abrasive rod having a first outer abrasive surface with a first abrasiveness level, and a second abrasive rod having a second outer abrasive surface with a second abrasiveness level different from the first abrasiveness level. At least one guide surface extends toward the first sharpening surface at a selected guide angle non-orthogonal to the first sharpening surface. The user contactingly engages a side of the tool against the guide surface and a cutting edge of the tool against the first abrasive surface, and then advances the side of the tool away from the guide surface and the cutting edge against the first abrasive surface while maintaining the tool at the selected guide angle. An optional second guide adjacent the second abrasive surface at a different angle facilitates micro-beveling.

An exercise device, comprising: more than one resistance adjusting inserts wherein said resistance adjusting inserts are selected to change the overall resistance a user exercises against; a chamber wherein one or more of said resistance adjusting inserts are capable of being inserted within said chamber; and an inlet to said chamber wherein the one or more of said resistance adjusting inserts are movable within the chamber by breath of a user. A method for exercising comprising: using an exercise device comprising a chamber capable of holding at least one resistance adjusting insert where the chamber has an inlet; selecting at least one resistance adjusting inserts from more than one resistance adjusting inserts; and, moving the selected inserts in the chamber by air pressure generated by a user directed through an inlet into the chamber.

In one example, a muscle exercise device includes a first arm, and a second arm rotatably connected to the first arm, and the second arm and first arm are movable to cooperatively define a recess. The muscle exercise device also includes a resistance element configured to reside in the recess and be compressed between the arms.

A multi-purpose balance exercise device designed to be used in multiple positions and for diverse exercises. For example, various embodiments allow for the multipurpose device to be use as an aerobic step device as well as the ability to easily adjust the device to various heights to easily decrease the level of difficulty of the device for use during various exercises. The balance exercise device can provide a polarity of handles and grab points both horizontally and vertically, which allow for an enhanced number of exercises or movements using either the top and/or bottom of the device. The balance exercise device includes a flexible bladder filled with air, other gases, or gels attached to a substantially rigid base. The base can include an interior within which features such as handles are disposed to provide a gripping or lifting exercise to which the balance exercise device can be used.

A jaw-strengthening device has a first receiver configured to receive a row of teeth having first and second molar sections, the first receiver having a first air chamber within the receiver positioned in a first molar section, a second air chamber within the receiver positioned in a second molar section, and an egress valve, configured to permit egress of air and prevent ingress of air, in communication with the first and second air chambers, a second receiver configured to receive a second row of teeth, the second receiver having a third air chamber within the receiver positioned in a first molar section, a fourth air chamber within the receiver positioned in a second molar section, and an ingress valve in communication with the third and fourth air chambers, wherein the first and third air chambers, and separately the second and fourth air chambers, are in communication.

Apparatus (2) for exercising a person's calves (4) in two different ways, which apparatus (2) comprises a footrest (8), a kneerest (10), and a length of stretchable material (12) for extending between the footrest (8) and the kneerest (10), and the apparatus (2) being such that: (i) the length of stretchable material (12) is flat sided;(ii) the footrest (8) has roller means (14);(iii) the roller means (14) allows the length of stretchable material (12) to connect to the footrest (8) such that the flat sides of the length of stretchable material (12) slide over the roller means (16);(iv) the kneerest (10) has anchor means (16) for the length of stretchable material (12);(v) the anchor means (16) allows the length of stretchable material (12) to connect to the kneerest (10) such that the flat sides of the length of stretchable material (12) pass over the anchor means (16); and(vi) the footrest (8), the kneerest (10), and the length of flexible material (12) are separable from each other.

A multiple position locking handle for an exercise machine for that is movable into a plurality of different positions when unlocked and that is retained in a single secure position when locked. The multiple position locking handle for an exercise machine generally includes a tubular base having a lower end and an upper end, an elongated member extending through the opening of the upper end of the tubular base and extending downwardly through at least a portion of the tubular base, a handle extending outwardly from the elongated member at an angle, and a locking device. The elongated member is movable within the tubular base when the locking device is in the unlocked state and is substantially not movable within the tubular base when the locking device is in the locked state.

The invention provides an exercise device for a rotator cuff of a shoulder of a user comprising a container housing, wherein the container housing comprises a first container shell, wherein the first container shell comprises a first container shell exterior surface and a first container shell interior surface surrounding a first container shell void, wherein the first container shell interior surface forms a substantially spherical surface; a second container shell, wherein the second container shell comprises a second container shell exterior surface and a second container shell interior surface, wherein the second container shell interior surface surrounds the first container shell exterior surface whereby the first container shell is nested inside the second container shell; and a spherical ball positioned within the first container shell void; wherein when the exercise device is in use, movement and rotation of an arm of a user causes movement and rotation of the container housing and movement and rotation of the ball within the container housing in a direction that follows a circumference of the first container shell interior surface, thereby exercising the rotator cuff of the shoulder of the user.

A layered exercise contact counter display tracking and showing repetitive contacts with the lens contact surface of a housing covering a sensor pad, which responds to contacts sending a signal to a powered circuit board and remote tracking devices to record and display the number of repetitive hits adapted for mounting on an exercise device or a support surface to encourage an exerciser to complete and exercise or contact event.

Systems and methods for fitness tracking are provided. An exercise apparatus is in networked communication with a fitness tracking computing system. The configuration and location of movable components of the exercise apparatus is determined based on sensors. This information is provided to the fitness tracking computing system via networked communication.

A portable paddleboard exercise apparatus having a balance platform, an elongated member, a paddle handle, and a number of resistance bands. The apparatus may further include a frame with one or more support members configured to support the balance platform. The balance platform includes an upper surface for a user to balance thereon. The elongated member extends from the balance platform. The resistance bands extend from a distal end of the elongated member to the paddle handle. A user may balance on the balance platform in one of a number of positions while pulling the paddle handle against a resistive force generated by the resistance bands.

Exercise equipment, particularly a linear movable structure and associated selectable elastic resistance bands with or without guide track members are designed to allow low-impact exercises for one or two persons at the same time while permitting either or both participants to remain stationary when utilizing the equipment.

A combination massage table with one or more resistance bands (hereinafter, a combination table) is disclosed. In some embodiments, the combination table may comprise: a massage table; the one or more resistance bands; and a means for attaching the one or more resistance bands to the massage table; such that a client using the combination table receives at least one improved health benefit as compared against massage therapy without any resistance band use. Furthermore, methods for using the combination table are disclosed. Such methods may comprise: preparing the combination table for use; preparing the client so the client is laying on top of an upper surface of the combination table; and massaging the client while the client at least intermittently engages one or more resistance bands that are attached to the combination table; wherein in the at least intermittent engagement of the one or more resistance bands while the client is being massaged results in the at least one improved health benefit to the client.

A method and apparatus for physical exercises and, in particular, for training the movements “jump” and “squat” from spot for training. The method and apparatus can have the “jump” and “squat” motions follow into a continuous alternating sequence as a response to a passing via a training spot in the same continuous alternating sequence of a lower obstacle, obligating the performance of “jump”, and of the upper obstacle obligating the performance of “squat”.

An exercise device that includes a frame, a user interface; a connection cable and a plurality of components that provide resistance to the cable and user interface. These components include a programmable, driven carriage capable of vertical movement between first and second positions and including one or more pulleys mounted thereon, wherein the cable extending away from the first end and user interface passes around the one or more pulleys on the carriage, a slider mechanism moveable between first and second positions and including one or more pulleys mounted thereon, and a pneumatic resistance device that is secured to the frame and that is operatively associated with the slider mechanism to provide resistance to slider mechanism movement between the first and second positions.

An exercise device that includes a frame, a user interface; a connection cable and a plurality of components that provide resistance to the cable and user interface. These components include a programmable, driven carriage capable of vertical movement between first and second positions and including one or more pulleys mounted thereon, wherein the cable extending away from the first end and user interface passes around the one or more pulleys on the carriage, a slider mechanism moveable between first and second positions and including one or more pulleys mounted thereon, and a pneumatic resistance device that is secured to the frame and that is operatively associated with the slider mechanism to provide resistance to slider mechanism movement between the first and second positions.

A push-up device and method of use has been disclosed that employs the use of a spherical member that makes contact with the ground surface and supports the weight of a user when the user grasps the handle members of the push-up device and/or rests thereon. The user may balance his or her body on the push-up device while exercising. The push-up device is operable to permit the push-up device to move or translate in various directions or angles when the user is resting thereon by rotating the spherical member omni-directionally. As such, not only may a user stimulate chest and/or other upper-body muscles, but the user may also stimulate abdominals or other lower-body muscles, permitting the user to stimulate a more variety of his or her muscles through balancing himself or herself on the push-up device through the curved surface of the spherical member.

An exercise device includes a base frame having a first baseboard member, a second baseboard member, and a base pad disposed in between. The first baseboard member includes a first locking member disposed on a first headend of the first baseboard member, and the second baseboard member includes a second locking member disposed on a second headend of the second baseboard member. The exercise device further includes a pole frame having a top crossbar, a bottom crossbar, a first side pole, and a second side pole. The first lock member of the first baseboard member is inserted into a cross section of the first side pole and the second lock member of the second baseboard member is inserted into a cross section of the second side pole, such that the pole frame is interlocked with the base frame substantially perpendicularly.

An abdominal twist exercise device includes a device frame, front and rear rotational axles, a main handle bar, a rotation converter, an adjustable gear, a disengaging lever, a weight, a weight bar, a support rail, a safety handle bar, rotation counters, and a user platform, such that when the main handle bar rotates to one side, the user platform rotates to an opposing side. A rotation converter can include a front chain sprocket, an intermediate rotational axle, an intermediate chain sprocket, a roller chain, an intermediate gear, a rear gear; or a front belt sprocket, a rear belt sprocket, and a twisted belt, connecting the sprockets. Optionally, the front and rear axles can be telescoping.

A method for configuring and operating one or more fitness studios each comprising a plurality of exercise stations at which users perform associated exercise routines, each station having an associated display, the method comprising, for each fitness studio, periodically retrieving, by a server from a database, fitness information for the studio in question for a specified period, from a multi-period fitness library; communicating, by the server to a studio computer, the retrieved fitness information over a communications network; periodically receiving, by the studio computer, the retrieved fitness information; configuring the exercise stations dependent upon the received fitness information; and communicating, by the studio computer to the exercise station displays, dependent upon the received fitness information, station directions to users exercising at the stations for performing an exercise.

A weight loading system for fitness equipments includes a fitness equipment support, a rally rope, a motor, a motor driving and a motor control unit. The motor is a permanent magnet brushless DC motor with an external rotor structure, and the motor includes a stator mounted onto the fitness equipment support and an external rotor sheathed on the stator and rotatable with respect to the stator, and the rally rope is wound around the external rotor of the motor, and an end of the rally rope is coupled to the external rotor of the motor, and the other end of the rally rope is coupled to the power driving mechanism of the fitness equipment; the power driving mechanism is provided for driving the external rotor of the motor through the rally rope to rotate and generate a rally, and the motor control unit controls the motor to rotate in an opposite direction through the motor driving module, so as to produce a load force opposite to the rally. The weight loading system for fitness equipments structure is simple, lightweight, and achieves the effect of a stepless weight control.

An exercise device includes a first tubular frame having a flexible fabric attached thereon, a second tubular frame having a rigid board mounted thereon, and at least three elongate support members disposed between and separate the first tubular frame and the second tubular frame. Each of the elongate members includes a first end fixedly mounted on the first tubular frame and a second end fixedly mounted on the second tubular frame, such that a first cross plane of the first tubular frame is substantially parallel to a second cross plane of the second tubular frame. When the second tubular frame is placed on a substantially flat surface, the exercise device can be used as a jumping exercise device. When the first tubular frame is placed on the substantially flat surface, the exercise device can be used as a stepping exercise device.

A stretching device that enables a user to employ the mechanical advantage of a multi-pulley system while performing various, prolonged muscle stretches; the stretching device including a first anchor assembly, a second anchor assembly, and a motion transfer line. The first motion transfer line has a first anchor body and a first motion transfer pulley; the first anchor body being attached to the user and the first motion transfer pulley being coupled to the first anchor body. Similarly, the second motion transfer line has a second anchor body and a second motion transfer pulley; the second anchor body being attached to a stationary object and the second motion transfer pulley being coupled to the second anchor body. The motion transfer line is terminally attached to the first anchor body and is trained around both the first motion transfer pulley and the second motion transfer pulley.

A training apparatus with adjustable travel distance includes a base frame including a pair of guide rails extending along a transverse axis, a pair of sliding units each including a pedal coupled to and slidable along one respective guide rail and a stopper located on one lateral side of the pedal, and a pair of travel distance adjusting units each including a guiding member mounted in the base frame and extending along the transverse axis and a rear position-limiting member mounted on the guiding member for stopping against the stopper of one respective pedal and position adjustable relative to the guiding member along the transverse axis to adjust the travel distance of the respective pedal.

The present invention provides an active and passive exercise training equipment comprising a swinging device, a supporting device, and a front supporting device. The swinging device comprises a seat cushion with moving function for a user to sit. The supporting device comprises a telescopic rack and a top rack for the user to grip. The top rack is set on the telescopic rack for being located at different heights. The front supporting device comprises a front telescopic rack and a front grip for the user to bend forward to grip. The grip is set on the front telescopic rack for being located at different horizontal distances and vertical heights. The height and the distance can be adjusted according to the stature or requirement of the user so that the user can train his muscular strength efficiently and also make his body to achieve a relaxed state.

An assisted chin/dip exercise apparatus has a main frame and an assist or foot bar pivotally mounted on the frame and linked to a weight stack or resistance for assisting a user standing on the foot bar during performance of chin and dip exercises. The main frame has a first, overhead handle assembly and a second, dip handle assembly below the first handle assembly. The first handle assembly includes a pair of adjustably mounted handles freely pivotable between a first, chin-up position in which the handles extend towards one another at a rearward angle with a small spacing between the handles and a second, pull-up position in which the handles extend in a forward direction and are spaced apart by a larger spacing sufficient to provide head clearance for a user stepping onto the foot bar or while performing a dip exercise.

A wall-mounted exercise apparatus, including a plurality of elongate anchor members fixed to a first wall and a second wall; a plurality of hooks fixed to each elongate anchor member; a first strap configured to be attached to a first hook of the plurality of hooks, the first hook being located on a first elongate anchor member fixed to the first wall; and a second strap configured to be attached to a second hook of the plurality of hooks, the second hook being located on a second elongate anchor member fixed to the second wall; wherein the first and second hooks are selected based on a desired difficulty of a selected exercise to be performed.

The disclosed invention contemplates a lifting apparatus that utilizes traditional free weights which travel on an I-shaped inclined track. The overall frame of the unit is comprised of a base frame, vertical support frame, and a pair of I-shaped inclined tracks, which are sized to accommodate an athlete wishing to engage in standing upper body exercises. In particular, the I-shaped inclined track provides a path on which a weight slide housing travels via a unique roller mechanism. The invention also incorporates a pair safety stop mechanisms and pins, which allow the athlete to control the height from which the lift will begin, as well as preventing the weight bar and weight slide housing from falling below a certain predetermined point.

Exercise machine with load rolling simulation substitutes training in the open air in which a load is rolled or pushed. The exercise machine comprises a continuous moving track (2) of adjustable incline. Above the housing (1) and in front of the continuous moving track (2) is mounted a wheel (4) with paddles (5). The paddles (5) on the outer circumference of the wheel (4) are performed in the shape of teeth, ribs, panels or bars. The wheel (4) is connected by a transmission (20) with the track (2). The track (2) is connected with the brake system (32) for change of resistance to motion of the track (2), and thereby also to turning of the wheel (4). The control panel (6) with display contains commands for adjusting and monitoring the inclination of the track (2) and the resistance to turning of the wheel (4) and for monitoring the velocity and travelled distance of the moving track (2), as well as the duration of the training on the continuous track (2). The exercise machine is used in at least three ways of exercising, it has exceptional ergonomic characteristics, and enables safe training.

A curved manual treadmill for the physical exercises of a user, comprising: a frame extending along a longitudinal direction; a first rotation shaft adapted to rotate around a respective first rotation axis transversal to the longitudinal direction of the frame; a second rotation shaft adapted to rotate around a respective second rotation axis transversal to the longitudinal direction of the frame; a physical exercise surface operatively connected to the first rotation shaft and to the second rotation shaft, so as to generate an endless closed physical exercise path, and a device for resisting the movement of the upper portion of the physical exercise surface operatively associated with at least either the first rotation shaft or the second rotation shaft.

A dynamic stretching, strengthening and stabilization device is provided for postural correction and retraining. The device has a pair of closed loop resistance tubes and a central harness member which positions the closed loop resistance tubes roughly in the form of a FIG. 8. Each loop of the resistance tube is sized to accommodate the arm and shoulder of the user. The device may be used in a stabilization mode or stretching/strengthening mode, and transitions easily between these modes to correct and retrain the user's posture.

The present disclosure describes systems and methods for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. The system includes a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece includes a force plate that a user can press against with their tongue. Pressing the force plate enables the user to strengthen their tongue. The system also includes a control module that can measure the force applied to the force plate and provide feedback to the user about progress and the applied force.

A device and methods for bilateral or unilateral physical therapy of lower limbs are disclosed. The device comprises a curved rail mounted on a base and a pair of support members configured to accommodate a portion of a leg of a person, and to slide along the curved rail. The curved rail allows lateral movements of the lower limbs with the support members, the movements being driven by a force of the lower limbs. The methods of the invention allow physical unilateral or bilateral therapy of lower limbs of a person. The initial reinforcement of the lower limbs of a person is improved by the use of this device, which reduces the friction or the resistance caused by the device during the prescribed movements. The invention provides to patients with severe lower limb disability, a physical therapy device that is easy to use with minimum supervision by a physical therapist.

The present disclosure relates to compositions comprising at least one fluoroolefin and an effective amount of a stabilizer comprising at least one ascorbic acid, terephthalate, or nitromethane, or mixtures thereof. The stabilized compositions may be useful in cooling apparatus, such as refrigeration, air-conditioning, chillers and heat pumps, as well as in applications as foam blowing agents, solvents, aerosol propellants, fire extinguishants, and sterilants.

Gas-generating devices with grain-retention structures and related methods and systems are described. In particular, gas-generating devices having at least one retention structure fixed to a frame and positioned between adjacent gas-generant grains arranged in a longitudinal stack. Fire suppression systems comprising such gas-generating devices are also described. Additionally, methods of manufacturing gas-generating devices, as well as methods of generating a gas and methods of suppressing a fire utilizing such gas-generating devices are described.

Disclosed are thermite charges for use in well perforation and downhole fracing. The thermite charges have a core, and optionally a case, where at least one of the core and the case includes thermite material.

The present invention is directed to an explosive composition comprised of heavy ANFO and expanded polymeric beads that have a density that is less than the density of the heavy ANFO. The expanded polymeric beads have a size that is determined or based on the size of ammonium nitrate prills used in the heavy ANFO portion of the composition. In one embodiment, the expanded polymeric beads that are utilized in the composition are at least 70% of the lower limit of the mesh size of the predominant ammonium nitrate prill mesh size. In another embodiment, the expanded polymeric beads are at least 70% of the a size that is related to the average mesh size of the ammonium nitrate prills.