Abstract: A utility support device for use in conjunction with hollow-rung ladders is provided which derives support from studs inserted into the hollow rungs of the ladder. The device is easily mounted to either side of the ladder for ease of access and convenience of the user. The device is suitable for supporting tools, materials and the like and may be easily relocated from one position on the ladder to another. The device is adjustable to accommodate different rung spacings, as well as to allow maintenance of substantially horizontal support through varying angles of inclination of the ladder.

Abstract: A solar energy concentrator is provided which includes a flexible reflective surface to focus solar flux on absorber tubes. The surface is mounted above a plurality of partially evacuated chambers. As the relative position between the sun and the concentrator change, the position of the absorber tubes and curvature of the reflective surface are changed to maintain an optimum reflective surface curvature for solar energy concentration.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to navigation systems which seek to position in real time with appropriate accuracy one or more mobile platforms in reference to a known system of coordinates by the emission of signals into a propagation medium and processing them after detection. Broad-band, broad-beam signals are employed. All received signals convey phase encoded angular coordinate information which characterizes the particular signal path. When the angular coordinate information is used in conjunction with range determinations from detected signals, an especially useful navigation system is provided which can operate using only a single reference station.

Abstract: A fluid is circulated in a loop at a predetermined pressure and temperature. A second immiscible fluid is added to the loop and maintained in a portion of the loop so that a portion of the loop is free of the second immiscible fluid. A chemical tracer is added to the fluids and allowed to partition between them. Samples are taken of the mixture of first fluid and tracer from a portion of the loop free of the second fluid. From this sample, calculations may be made to determine the partition co-efficient of the fluids.

Abstract: Improved rotating blowout preventer including a stationary housing, a bearing housing and a bearing means assembly and seal assembly for mounting an internally located, rotating sleeve for rotating, sealable movement within the bearing housing. The bearing housing and rotatable sleeve cooperate to provide a circumferential passageway and radial ports to direct outwardly of the bearing housing any fluid which leaks past the seal assembly. The structure of the seal and bearing mountings provide for replacement of the seal without contaminating the bearing.

Abstract: Subsurface apparatus and method for using same in a hydrocarbon producing well to enable retrieval of a full opening subsurface safety valve mounted in the well tubing without disturbing the major portion of the well tubing located below the safety valve. The apparatus includes a subsurface tubing hanger below the safety valve from which the major portion of the well tubing is suspended and through which tubing the hydrocarbons flow to the surface. Disposed above the safety valve is a tubing holddown apparatus and a controllable safety joint. The holddown apparatus provides a lower anchor for the portion of the tubing disposed above the tubing hanger and the stinger which is received in and seals with the tubing hanger.

Abstract: Subsurface apparatus and method for using same in a hydrocarbon producing well to enable retrieval of a full opening subsurface safety valve mounted in the well tubing without disturbing the major portion of the well tubing located below the safety valve. The apparatus includes a subsurface tubing hanger below the safety valve from which the major portion of the well tubing is suspended and through which tubing the hydrocarbons flow to the surface. Disposed above the safety valve is a tubing holddown apparatus and a controllable safety joint. The holddown apparatus provides a lower anchor for the portion of the tubing disposed above the tubing hanger and the stinger which is received in and seals with the tubing hanger.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a non-tensioned multi-conduit line from a plurality of conduits and a central core as the plurality of conduits and central core are pulled longitudinally along the length thereof including the securing of conduits in a non-twisted contacting condition about the central core and oscillating the conduits about the central core prior to securing to alternately rotate the conduits in opposite directions about the central core such that the conduits contact the central core for substantially 360.degree. in each direction without introducing torsional stresses on the conduits prior to the securing thereof to the central core.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring cargo between first and second bodies which are movable relative to each other where a hoist for raising and lowering cargo through a hoist line is mounted on one of the bodies includes a linkage for connecting the two bodies. The linkage is pivotally connected to the bodies for accommodating relative movement between the bodies. A guide is located between the hoist line and one of the bodies for engaging and guiding the hoist line. A trolley which is movable along at least a portion of the linkage engages the hoist line on the side opposite the guide and moves the hoist line along the linkage between the guide and the other body while the line changes length so that cargo connected to the hoist line can be moved along the linkage.

Abstract: Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase (TdT) may now be quantified in a biological sample without interference from other DNA polymerases normally found therein by utilizing labeled deoxynucleoside triphosphates and/or labeled single stranded oligodeoxynucleotides which have been chemically modified to impair or destroy their ability to form nucleotide base pairs by hydrogen bonding. Such modified deoxynucleoside triphosphates and/or oligodeoxynucleotides of impaired base forming abilities are selectively synthesized by TdT into fluorescently or radioactively labeled acid insoluble polydeoxynucleotides which may be quantified to determine the amount of TdT originally present in the biological sample.