Abstract: A hazard warning system for warning personnel of potential peril within a specific warning zone, the system including a variable, ultrasonic, and/or infra-red directional transmitter directed to focus on and around a specific hazard and a receiver having both audio and visual warning indicators worn by the worker. Workers outside the warning zone or field not receiving the warning are therefore not immunized by visual and audible signals which are not pertinent to their safety. The warning system further utilizes distance measuring circuitry to automatically determine the distance from the transmitter located on an evaluated crane boom to ground or deck. The distance measurement is then micro processed to maintain a prescribed infra-red field around a suspended object regardless of the boom height. A further embodiment utilizes the technology for a portable signal generator apparatus for attachment to a moving load or vehicle, the warning zone or field may be directed and varied in size and range.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for opening oysters or clams along the seam naturally occurring between the hinged portions of the oyster or clam shell. The apparatus is composed of a heavy base portion having a vertical column attached thereto, the column having mounted perpendicularly thereto a spreader operated by hand or a biased pivotal foot pedal, the spreader having opposable jaws which, upon depressing the handle by hand or with the foot pedal, are spread apart. A movable anvil is provided with a pivotal lever arm for positioning the oyster or clam relative to the opposable jaws of the spreader.

Abstract: An aggressive on/off-road pneumatic tire tread design for recreational vehicles which is highly durable, self cleaning, improves rolling resistance on paved roads, has excellent tread wear characteristics, and is relatively quiet on paved roads. The tread design includes a side wall tread portion including a scuff bar and the area between it and the ground contacting tread is further provided with raised emblems and distinctive markings which provide traction and reduce mud caking, The tire's tread includes a pair of parallel rows of opposing chevron shaped lugs, defining a zigzag channel therebetween, and an outer row of polyhedron shoulder lugs outboard of the chevron rows, the polyhedron lugs being three different sizes, a short, intermediate and long, sequentially arranged in sets of three with a short lug between each long and intermediate lug. Root risers in the lateral channel between each chevron shaped lug are provided to prevent stress crack running in the tread.

Abstract: A method and system for collecting, defluidizing and disposing of oil and gas well drill cuttings is disclosed including a system consisting primarily of a separation tank assembly, a vacuum pump assembly, a solids collection box and a liquids collection tank. The seperating tank having an upper slurry chamber, for recieving cuttings via suction from a shaker screen trough via a suction line, and a lower liquid chamber having a strainer therein, for collecting liquids compressed from the drill cuttings. A helical conveyor screw is passed through the upper slurry chamber and the strainer located in the lower liquid chamber. An adjustable plug is provided to restrict the cuttings flow through the strainer discharge opening. When cutting are forced from the upper slurry chamber via the helical conveyor screw into the strainer against the preset tension of the adjustable plug, fluids are forced through the sides of the strainer into the lower liquid chamber where they are pumped out to a liquids collection tank.

Abstract: A transportable, commercial, barbecue cooking apparatus housed in an insulated, conventionally shaped building structure, the apparatus further including a vertical diametrical smoke chamber having an adjacent force draft heat chamber integral therewith, the smoke chamber fitted with sloped, horizontal screens attached to a rotating vertical shaft thereby providing increased visibility, efficient, circulation and improved rendering, the heat chamber being fired with a gas burner and utilizing hardwood saw dust to produce a heavy smoke which is force drafted through a duct into the cooking chamber. The cooker is further provided with onboard hot water tanks for cooking and cleanup and includes provisions for humidity and temperature control. Provisions are made for food boiling, frying and steam cooking capability and includes amenities such as a storage locker, internal oven lighting, smoke blow back fans, and view windows.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for waterproofing electrical connectors for use in deep water and abusive environments such as that involving seismograph underwater exploration. The present invention combines the technology expressed in the referenced prior art with a method for sealing pin wiring connections and bonding the wiring sheath insulation to a pliable molded body surrounding a central core encompassing the connectors pins in a single injection molding operation. The process includes providing a length of special cable having one or more conductors with multiple sheaths for attachment to an underwater type cable connector having at least one sheath compatible with the injection molded body, the compatible sheath and a portion of its compatible outer jacket being integrally molded to form the connector's body.

Abstract: An automatic shut-down system for wet/dry glycol pump thereby providing a pump protection system located in the fluid circuit between the reboiler and glycol contactor elements of a gas dehydration system. The system includes a filter or filter system, if one is not already provided within the existing dehydration system, a vertical tank having an external gas operated float valve with controls for remotely pilot operating a cut-off valve located in the wet glycol line between the contactor and the glycol pump. Therefore, in operation, when the dry glycol level in the vertical tanks drops below a set level, the float valve blocks gas pressure applied to the cut-off valve maintaining it in the open condition, thus allowing it to close and thereby blocking the flow of wet glycol to the pump, thus effectively shutting down the pump and the system. Once the imbalance is corrected, the system automatically resumes operation.

Abstract: A molded protective body member for seismic cable hydrophone and geophone sensors and their cable splice connections from underwater obstructions and pay-out and retrieval apparatus. The body member is a one piece polymeric member having interior cavities, risers and apertures. When in use, the body member is folded longitudinally in half around the seismic cable at a hydrophone or geophone splice joint and secured in place with recessable molded straps having threaded fasteners passing through each of the body halves thus clamping the body to the cable. At least one interior diametrical cavity is provided consistent with the type seismic cable sensor used. With the sensor and its associated cable and connector positioned within the protective body member, tie wraps are threaded through apertures along and adjacent the longitudinal edges of each half thus closing the interior of the body member. Cavities are also provided internally for placing lead weights.

Abstract: An improved termination connector for seismic cable, the improvement including a reduced rigid length and improved flexibility by making connector to cable conductor splice connection within the bend restrictor, further reducing failure due to lateral stress through the use of a split collar and sleeve arrangement for connecting the connector's rotatable nut assembly to the connector body. The instant connector improves pin to cable makeup with improved pressure compensation splice connection process.

Abstract: An in-line grinder has been developed which can be configured to perform in a variety of applications through the use of an adjustable rotor/stator assembly, removable shear bar, and a variety of interchangeable stator-rotor configurations. A unique drive system utilizing a mechanical seal cartridge provides maximum sealing with a minimum of shaft deflection and run-out thereby improving performance. These improvements collectively allow the grinder to be configured for optimum sizing of solids to a predetermined particle size for a broad range of materials. It has been demonstrated that a class of in-line grinders such as that described herein is applicable for sizing drill cuttings for injection into a subsurface formation by way of an annular space formed in a wellbore. The cuttings are removed from the drilling fluid, conveyed to a shearing and grinding system that converts the cuttings into a viscous slurry with the addition of water and viscosity enhancing polymers.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for toning the mid-section and lower portion of the body, especially helpful for handicapped individuals who have marginal or only functional use of their lower extremities on an involuntary basis whereby a physically able person or a physically challenged person manipulates a pendulum bar, freely suspended from a semi-flexible member in a quarter circular oblique movement, while strapped to the apparatus in a seated position, and whereas the flexibility of the flexible member is predetermined by design or controlled hydraulically by the user.

Abstract: An in-line grinder has been developed which can be configured to perform in a variety of applications through the use of an adjustable rotor/stator assembly, removable shear bar, and a variety of interchangeable stator-rotor configurations. A unique drive system utilizing a mechanical seal cartridge provides maximum sealing with a minimum of shaft deflection and run-out, thereby improving performance. These improvements collectively allow the grinder to be configured for optimum sizing of solids to a predetermined particle size for a broad range of materials. It has been demonstrated that a class of in-line grinders such as that described herein is applicable for sizing drill cuttings for injection into a subsurface formation by way of an annular space formed in a wellbore. The cuttings are removed from the drilling fluid, conveyed to a shearing and grinding system that converts the cuttings into a viscous slurry with the addition of water and viscosity enhancing polymers.

Abstract: A slow speed, high torque shear technology is disclosed having optional configurations and attachments for its construction and methods for reconfiguring existing shears to improve performance, and maintenance economics. A method is provided for the readily replacement of individual cutters and tooth modules, reconfiguration of cutter and tooth assemblies in a mix and match manner, in combination with matching anvils having replacement cutting elements with multiple cutting faces. Alternative embodiments are provided illustrating methods of configuration of various types of cutting elements and material feed systems. Methods for converting a rough cut shear to a fine particle shear and then to a granulator as well as a method for rejecting unprocessable material is also disclosed.

Abstract: An attachment for a rotary garden tiller having edging capability for establishing perimeter of a flower bed alongside sidewalks, driveways, or fence lines which functions by cutting and separating grass from its roots at a uniform depth and width and in a controllable contoured line. The edger apparatus includes a cupped cultivation disc and a pulverizer wheel which includes chopping and digging capability. The cultivating disc shears vegetation and cultivates the soil in any contoured shape and maintains a fixed depth of three to four inches, requiring approximately one third of the time spent in edging required by other methods.

Abstract: An animal muzzling apparatus generally for temporary use during treatment and grooming of an animal to prevent injury to attending personnel due to bites. The apparatus being generally a transparent globular shape in standoff relationship with and fully enclosing an animal's head, the enclosure having sufficient air breathing holes or slots therein and a slotted elastic membrane for allowing the globe to be quickly and easily extended over the head of the animal. The globe is further fitted with a flexible sleeve encircling the slotted, elastic membrane, extending around the animal's neck and secured thereabouts with a quick draw string having a quick lock. The globe may optionally be fitted with a removable front cover or hinged in a manner that allows access to the animal's head for administering medication and treatment to the animal's head.

Abstract: A die set used in pipe tongs in the oil and gas industry for gripping pipe while threadably coupling pipe joints, the die having electroless nickel plated, non-interrupted knurled teeth having a special shape which reduces die penetration, thereby reducing wall loss due to die penetration, stress cracking and carbon transfer to oil and gas field tubular pipe and especially to corrosive resistive alloy pipe, thus further reducing pipe corrosion.

Abstract: An archery target having a solid clay core surrounded by a high density foam wherein the core is capable of stopping an inestimable number of broadhead-tipped arrows in a manner nondestructive to either the arrows (or any components thereof) or the target itself. The clay core is essentially indestructible and can be restored to a like new condition through a simple procedure compressing the arrow holes remaining in the clay, the clay being formulated to allow easy withdrawal of broadhead arrows without damage to the arrow and with a minimum of residual material left on the arrow. Multiple clay cores may also be used to represent vital areas of an animal and/or as multiple bull's-eye for a target.