Abstract: The invention relates to a method of, and apparatus for, determining the clearance between wear surfaces of a reciprocating piston engine and the surrounding cylindrical bore of the engine block, without need for physical contact with the piston. As particularly distinguished from the prior art, the present invention employs an energy wave source, collimated to impinge against selectable portions of the piston head either during its reciprocation, or at rest, in the so-called combustion or compression chamber between the moving piston and the engine cylinder. The energy source may be optical, electro-optical, acoustico-optical, or electromagnetic, generating continuous waves or high frequency pulses, or which are capable of reflecting such energy back to a plurality of detectors Such detectors are capable of measuring exceptionally high frequency (short wave lengths) signals to measure time (and hence distance) from the source to the piston head back to the detector.

Abstract: The present invention indicates that gas-containing strata of an earth formation have low Poisson's ratios and that the acoustic contrast with the overburden rock has a surprising effect as a function of the angle of incidence on a seismic wave associated with an array of sources and detectors: viz., a significant--and progressive--change in P-wave reflection coefficient as a function of the angle of incidence occurs. Thus, differentiating between high-intensity amplitude anomalies of nongas- and gas-containing media is simplified: progressive change in amplitude intensity of resulting traces generated by the field array as a function of offset between each source-detector pair, is associated with the last-mentioned medium only.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, satellite navigation, receiver system of an exploration system for exploring for hydrocarbons in earth formations can be tested for fieldworthiness using a portable microcomputer-controlled satellite navigation simulator. From encoded inputs of local latitude, longitude, Greenwich mean time and antenna height, both array data parameters and real-time control signals are generated for simulating signals of an orbiting TRANSIT navigation satellite vis-a-vis the satellite navigation receiver system. To such system the received signals are indistinguishable from conventional TRANSIT satellite navigation signals. Result: by merely cross-checking simulator "turn-key" encoded data with the final computed fix, a technologist (who need not be a programming expert) can determine the fieldworthiness of the satellite navigation receiver system.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for recovering viscous crudes from petroleum-containing formation, such as tar sand deposits, which are too deep to mine economically but not deep enough, or geologically not structured properly, to successfully hydraulically fracture for well to well production. The method contemplates a field grid layout of sets of injection and production wells and a subsurface generally horizontal heated tubular member passing through the subsurface petroleum-containing formation. Heated fluids are circulated through the tubular members to heat the viscous crudes in the vicinity of the tubular members and a heated drive fluid is injected through the injection wells to move heated crude toward the production wells.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an impulse generator of high portability is provided using a pair of guillotinized, separately activated hammer/anvil sub-assemblies. Since each sub-assembly is horizontal positioned, say in contact with the earth from a position below the wheel of an exploration truck, the equivalent of the "flying blade" of a guillotine, i.e., a weighted hammer element, must be provided with horizontal movement. This is done by tensioning a plurality of springs attached between the hammer element and a rectangular main frame.During cocking and release of the hammer, the explorationist is provided with a series of visual signals in the form of deactivated and activated panel lights. These signals are automatically provided by controller means of the present invention. Release of the cocked hammer, however, is operator controlled for safety reasons say by activation of a latching means attached to the main frame of the assembly.

Abstract: A drilling sub-base assembly for use from an offshore drilling vessel wherein drilling operations are conducted through a moon pool and at a drilling site where the bottom soil conditions are soft or unstable such that a conventional drilling sub-base dimensioned to pass through the moon pool would not provide an adequate foundational base for the carrying-on of drilling operations. The drilling sub-base assembly includes a main section dimensioned for ease of passage through the moon pool of the vessel and secondary sections pivotally affixed to the main section on at least two opposite sides thereof to be in a substantially vertical position relative to the main section when the drilling sub-base assembly is located in the moon pool and to be in a substantially horizontal position relative to the main section when the drilling sub-base assembly is positioned on the underwater bottom.

Abstract: A new high efficiency, multijunction photovoltaic solar cell for use with a concentration lens. This cell comprises an elemental single crystal substrate without an internal light sensitive junction, upon which are two or more successive homogenous layers of semiconductor materials, each layer containing within it a light sensitive p/n junction of a similar polarity, each layer having essentially the same lattice constant as the single crystal substrate, each layer having a shorting junction contact with the layer immediately above and below it, each successive layer adsorbing light energy at a shorter wavelength, and each layer being of sufficient thickness and appropriate composition to develop essentially the same current as the other layers. At the junction, between the successive layers of the multilayer cell, a thin pseudo transparent low bandgap semiconductor layer is provided at the shorting junction interface.

Abstract: A method is proposed for treating subsurface earth formations in the neighborhood of a steam injection well by selectively altering the effective permeability of the formation through depositing a monomer within the formation where the permeability is to be controlled and the eventual polymerization of that monomer to produce a high-viscosity polymer within the formation to effectively decrease the permeability of that portion of the formation. The monomer is transported to the subsurface formation in vapor form with steam. The mixed vapor first condenses out liquid water only and later condenses out water and immiscible liquid monomer. The polymerization of the monomer then takes place to produce a high-viscosity polymer within the subsurface formation.

Abstract: A unidirectional valve for use, e.g., in a thermosyphon solar heating system including a collector, a storage tank, and a liquid having a transfer portion in the collector and a storage portion in the tank, the valve comprising a partition, having a predetermined vertical extent, transversely separating the portions, the partition being transversely spaced such that the surface area of the transfer portion is much less than the surface area of the storage portion, whereby changes in the density of the transfer portion cause the surface thereof to travel vertically along the partition, permitting the transfer portion to flow around the end of the partition into the tank, but changes in the density of the storage portion cause only inconsequential movement of the surface thereof along the partition preventing flow of the storage portion around the end of the partition into the collector.

Abstract: An offshore structure which is able to withstand the ice forces imposed thereon by impinging ice sheets and other larger masses of ice wherein the structure has an upper conical portion coaxially positioned relative to a lower conical portion. The walls forming both the upper and lower portions are inclined at an angle to the horizontal to receive ice masses moving into contact with the structure. The angle of inclination from the horizontal of the upper portion is greater than the angle of inclination of the lower portion, and the cross-sectional diameter of the upper conical portion is no greater than that at the top of the lower conical portion.

Abstract: An offshore structure which is able to withstand the ice forces imposed thereon by impinging ice sheets and other larger masses of ice wherein the structure has an upper conical portion coaxially positioned relative to a lower conical portion. The walls forming both the upper and lower portions are inclined at an angle to the horizontal to receive ice masses moving into contact with the structure. The angle of inclination from the horizontal of the upper portion is greater than the angle of inclination of the lower portion, and the cross-sectional diameter of the upper conical portion is less than that at the top of the lower conical portion so that there exists a step-like section between the upper conical portion and the lower conical portion.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a marine streamer test system and method (MARSTEST) is disclosed for testing field-worthiness of hydrophone sections within the streamer under both passive and dynamic operating conditions. With regard to a passive operating state, five (5) test parameters are automatically generated and compared with upper and lower limits stored within a mini-computer housed aboard the marine exploration boat. Any out-of-specification values trip an alarm network and a printer to warn of the malfunctioning streamer section. Result: replacement or other repair can be effected. With regard to dynamic operating conditions, acceptable "signature" characteristics of the streamer (such characteristics can be 2 or more of the above 5 parameters) are stored within the computer aboard the exploration boat and are compared with actually generated field parameter values acquired during operations, say between "shots", i.e.

Abstract: A vapor-recovery system in which a coaxial vapor-recovery fuel dispensing nozzle cooperates with portions of the vehicle fuel receiving and storage system to prevent the escape of vapors into the atmosphere during refueling. The fuel-dispensing nozzle comprises a rigid, tubular vapor-recovery member coaxially arranged around the nozzle discharge spout to define a vapor-recovery passageway therebetween. A seal means is located inwardly of the fuel tank fillpipe opening to sealingly engage the vapor-recovery member when the nozzle discharge spout is operatively inserted into the fillpipe so that substantially all refueling emissions will flow into the vapor-recovery passageway of the vapor-recovery member.

Abstract: An offshore structure for use in arctic waters containing large moving ice masses such as icebergs wherein the structure has a wear surface arranged around the periphery of its support portion at least in the region of the support portion of potential contact with moving ice masses. A layer of resilient material is disposed between the wear surface and the support portion in order to reduce the forces imposed on the structure by the impinging ice masses.

Abstract: A valve means for a fuel dispensing nozzle located in the nozzle discharge spout at the outlet end thereof for sealing the outlet end to prevent the flow of fuel and fuel vapors out of the discharge spout when the nozzle flow control valve is closed. The valve means is responsive to the operation of the flow control valve so that when the flow control valve is closed, the valve means is closed and so that when the flow control valve is operated to flow fuel through the discharge spout, the valve means is open. To this purpose, actuating means responsive to the operation of the flow control valve are provided to establish fluid communication between the valve means and the flow passage upstream of the flow control valve and, alternately, between the valve means and the flow passage in the discharge spout. In one embodiment, the valve means located in the discharge spout at the outlet end thereof is a pinch valve, and in another embodiment, the valve means is a wafer valve.

Abstract: A valve means for a fuel dispensing nozzle located in the nozzle discharge spout at the outlet end thereof for sealing the outlet end to prevent the flow of fuel and fuel vapors out of the discharge spout when the nozzle vapor-seal valve is closed. The valve means is responsive to the operation of the vapor-seal valve so that when the vapor-seal valve is closed when the nozzle is not in use, the valve means is closed and so that when the vapor-seal valve is open when the discharge spout is operatively inserted into a fill pipe of a fuel tank, the valve means is open. To this purpose, means are provided to establish communication between the valve means and the flow passage upstream of the nozzle flow control valve and between the valve means and the flow passage in the discharge spout. In one embodiment, the valve means located in the discharge spout at the outlet end thereof is a pinch valve, and in another embodiment, the valve means is a wafer valve.

Abstract: Method for sterilizing soft contact lenses and the like using methoxymethane while the lenses are in a liquid-wetted state. Methoxymethane on the water-wet surface for a sufficient time kills the microorganisms (bacteria, molds and yeasts) that invade and are entrapped in the pores and irregular surfaces of the hydrophilic materials from which such soft contact lenses are made. An easily portable apparatus for applying this sterilization technique to the lenses is also disclosed. It includes a lens holder that can be held in a chamber that can be pressure-isolated to receive the methoxymethane gas from portable sources. In one form, an indicator shows that the lenses are under sterilization pressure. This novel arrangement dispenses with the inconvenience of using prolonged steaming, or questionable sterilization in disinfecting fluids which may affect the composition of the soft contact lens.

Abstract: A method is described for cleaning nonsettling oil-solid mixtures from the bottom of catalytic cracking rundown tanks wherein a solvent of particular specifications is introduced in the rundown tank and circulated around, in and through the non-settling oil solids with an angularly adjustable pump. After the floating oil-solid mixture has been separated by the solvent, the solvent and liquid are removed from the tank, separated and recycled to process streams. The remaining settled solid sediments may then be washed with an aqueous solution circulated in the tank with the adjustable pump to water-wash additional oils from the solid sediments, and the aqueous solution and oils carried therewith are removed from the tank and separated. The remaining solid materials are then vacuumed from the tank or water-washed from the tank to complete the cleaning process initiated totally from outside of the tank.

Abstract: A discharge spout tip for a fuel-dispensing nozzle wherein the outlet end of the tip has a cross-sectional area approximately equal to that of the discharge spout inwardly of the tip and wherein the tip has a downwardly sloping, upper surface for deflecting fuel flowing through the outlet end of the tip in a generally downward direction at an effective angle of deflection from the center line of the discharge spout so that the fuel flow is directed away from the upper surface of the fill pipe in order to prevent the formation of a liquid barrier in the fill pipe. By reducing or eliminating the liquid barrier in the fill pipe, the likelihood of occurrence of a spitback or spill is reduced. The fuel-deflecting surface of the tip may be formed by positioning a wedge-shaped projection on the upper surface of the tip, and alternately, the upper surface of the tip itself may slope downwardly from a point on said discharge spout to form a fuel-deflecting surface.

Abstract: A "red-alert" end condition digital signal is generated by a transponder system of the present invention formed essentially of MSI's (Medium Scale Integrated Chips) including an oscillator/ripple counter controlling a coded analog multiplexer network in circuit with a RTL compatible gate/driver circuit. The aforementioned system both is initiated by and is in power dependent relationship with a MARK-SPACE interrogation signal and has special utility in digitally monitoring product "overflow" conditions in source/product storage tank networks associated with an oil refinery and/or a chemical complex.