Abstract: This invention is a method and apparatus for making a pressure-containing threaded tubular connection, suitable for remotely operated connection and separation, utilizing electrical heating to reduce the amount of make up torque required to produce reliable preloading of the connection. One aspect of the present invention comprises: 1) a first hub with male threads on its exterior and having a sealing face and axial flow passage, b) a second hub having an axial flow passage and carrying an annular seal which can be mated with the sealing face of the first hub and mounting a rotatable nut having female threads on its interior and integral nut heating means. After stabbing and initial make-up of the connection, the nut is heated and thereby expanded in a controlled manner and the connection retightened. Following cooling, the structural connection is fully preloaded and the annular seal fully compressed so that it seals. Reversing the procedure permits disconnection.

Abstract: The culture chamber of the present invention has a fluid-filled culture compartment in which cells, tissues and other biologicals are cultured. The culture compartment is transversed by one or more molecular weight cut-off membranes attached to a membrane carrier assembly. Incoming nutrients are transported through the membrane into the culture compartment and metabolic waste products are transported away from the fluid-filled culture compartment through the membrane and out the chamber outlet. Both reusable and disposable culture chambers are described for culturing cells, cell aggregates, particles, tissues and organoids.

Abstract: A strainer system having two separate strainers positioned in parallel, where one strainer can be cleaned while still permitting normal flow through the other strainer. The system flow circuit is arranged so that a high pressure backwashing flow can be applied to one strainer while the other strainer is providing its normal straining function. The backwashed strainer is then isolated by valves so that its access flange can be removed and the particulate buildup within the valve plug cleaned out. The strainer is then returned to service following the replacement of the access flange. In this manner, it is possible to alternate between the two strainers so that continuous flow can be maintained to the hydraulic choke located downstream of the strainer system.

Abstract: A floating moored oilfield production structure for deepwater application. An apparatus and a method for the construction and installation of floating oilfield production structures, wherein the deck structure is supported by multiple pairs of inclined buoyant legs which in turn support a subsurface damping plate structure for reducing the motions of the platform. The structure initially is initially constructed in a first configuration in relatively shallow water and then towed to a deepwater location where it is reconfigured to its operational configuration. The major structural components are joined by selectably operable pin connections.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a strainer based upon a four-way, two-position rotary cylindrical plug valve having a hollow plug. The normal entry port for the sealing plug of the plug valve is a circular radial hole passing from the exterior of the plug into the interior cavity of the plug. The normal exit port for the sealing plug is a regular array of small holes across from and coaxial with the normal entry hole. The ports for the valve body are in two pairs positioned at 90° from each other, with the axes of the ports lying in the same transverse plane as the ports of the valve plug.

Abstract: A lighting device having a plurality of LEDs mounted on a heat sink that serves to transfer heat from the LEDs to the outside environment. The lighting device is positioned within a fresnel lens to produce a distribution of light.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention involves a method for servicing a choke valve that includes disconnecting a choke actuator and at least one internal valve component engaged therewith from the choke valve body of the choke valve and moving the same in a generally linear path away from the choke valve body along the axis of the choke valve body.

Abstract: A lighting device having a plurality of high flux LEDs mounted on a heat sink and surrounded by a diffuser and a power supply that provides independent power to individual sets of the LEDs. The heat sink serves to transfer heat from the LEDs to the outside environment. In one embodiment the lighting device is positioned within a fresnel lens to produce a distribution of light.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a selectably operable hydraulic means for laterally shifting one end of a non-moving vehicle in order to provide a desired alignment. The present invention is particularly applicable to vehicle-mounted equipment which has an invariant lateral mounting position on the vehicle and which must be laterally aligned with a stationary workpiece axis. An example of such a need occurs with mobile workover rigs used in well maintenance.

Abstract: A subsea connector system is used to connect internally mounted couplers to provide sealed conduits for subsea operations. The system has a removable (outboard) connector and a fixed (inboard) connector each with a housing having special geometric properties that facilitate alignment and connection of the couplers. The latching mechanism has a latch pin in the fixed connector and a latch sleeve in the removable connector for receiving and latching to the latch pin. The couplers (male and female) and the latching mechanism are located within the housings of the fixed and removable connectors to provide protection for the components from damage during storage, handling, transport and installation operations.

Abstract: The invention provides for a sealing device for a valve bag. The sealing device has two sections separated by a perforated seam. Each section is secured to one side of the valve channel and has an adhesive surface covered by a protective sheet. The two sections are perforated by the filling tube when the valve bag is filled, once the valve bag is filled the protective sheet is cleaned and removed and the two sections of the sealing device are pressed together and secured by the interaction of their adhesive surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for use in field servicing a choke valve system. The apparatus is used for lifting, manipulating, and handling the heavy components of hydraulic choke valves. The apparatus includes an elongated track, a choke valve support structure, a trolley that selectably reciprocates along a length of the trolley, and an attachment mechanism for attaching a choke actuator to the trolley.

Abstract: The combination workover and drilling rig of the present invention combines a capability to drill a well, as well as perform well maintenance and service, using either or both tubing with threaded tubular connections or coiled tubing. A mast and a coiled tubing injector are independently mounted to a support platform and can be operated independently of each other. The coiled tubing injector is selectably elevatable into a stowed position, a ready position, or an operating position.

Abstract: The bioreactor system of the present invention has two fluid-filled culture compartments in which cells, tissues and other biologicals are cultured. The two culture compartments are in fluid communication with each other and each culture compartment is transversed by a filter that prevents the exit of the cells from the culture compartment. Both reusable and disposable culture chambers are described for use as the first and/or second culture compartment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for determining the concentration of individual components within a fluid mixture by determining the permittivity of the individual components. The method and apparatus use a reference sensor and at least one measurement sensor positioned inside the same sensor device that is immersed in the fluid mixture to be measured. Signals, such as radio frequency or microwave, are sequentially transmitted at multiple, known, constant frequencies to and reflected from both the reference and measurement sensor(s). Permittivities of the individual components are determined from these transmitted and reflected signals and information about the concentration of the individual fluids and other compounds within the fluid mixture and the density of the fluid mixture are produced. Repetitive sampling and processing of these signals allow determination and real-time monitoring of the concentration of individual components within a mixture of fluids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanism for preventing damage to the actuator of a hydraulic choke valve in the event of excessive backpressure on the outlet of the choke. The backpressure relief device is applicable to a choke valve which meters flow from a high pressure annular region around the axially reciprocable choke throttling member into a low pressure exit channel coaxial with the throttling member. In particular, a shearable means is used to connect the reciprocable control shank of the actuator to the throttling valve member of the choke valve. In the event of excessive pressure on the exit channel of the choke valve, the shearable means will shear, thereby fully opening the valve and permitting the excessive pressure to escape. The shearable means is readily replaced so that the valve easily can be put back into operating condition.

Abstract: A lighting device having a plurality of high flux LEDs mounted on a heat sink and surrounded by a diffuser. The heat sink serves to transfer heat from the LEDs to the outside environment. In one embodiment the lighting device is positioned within a fresnel lens to produce a distribution of light.

Abstract: An elastomeric seal having an antiextrusion device molded integrally into or onto the low pressure side of the seal. The antiextrusion of a corrugated strip into an elastomeric seal. One embodiment of the invention has the strip positioned with the midplane of its corrugations normal to the mating seal surfaces and parallel to the midplane of the seal groove. Another embodiment of the invention has the midplane of the corrugations canted within the seal. The antiextrusion device is applicable to annular seal rings, linear seals, or seals of more complex configuration.

Abstract: The present invention is a composition and process for avoiding non-specific uptake of targeted liposomal complexes in the lung and other highly vascular issues. The reversible masking of liposomal complexes allows increased delivery of nucleic acid molecules to target cells or tissues.

Abstract: A process has been developed for the production of human recombinant polypeptides using transformed mammalian cells cultured in a horizontally rotating culture vessel modulated to create low shear, high mass transfer conditions. The resulting recombinant polypeptide has bioactivity and is produced in increase amounts.