Abstract: A set of seismic detectors is distributed throughout a defense zone in communication with a set of attack or other controllable devices. A seismic signal source controlled by a zone defense coordinator communicates at scheduled times to the seismic detectors and through them to the associated devices to convey mission critical information. The seismic detectors and the attack devices are controlled singularly and/or collectively by self-contained processors. The seismic source may be at a fixed site and is substantially repeatable as well as controllable. The system may be specially adapted to a wide range of terrains including land and water; and from very shallow to very deep water. Targets may be characterized in terms of their typical seismic signatures and the same hardware system used for seismic communication may be also programmed for target detection and device activation.

Abstract: A seismic data acquisition module includes a motherboard that is environmentally protected as a independent unit by an integral sheath, envelope or encapsulating cover. The motherboard unit is suitably configured for rapid and frequent manual removal from the interior cavity of a protective outer housing for compact and more secure packaging as well as more convenient transport over great distances, if necessary, to successively different survey sites. At a new survey site, the motherboard units may be inserted into more bulky but also more rugged or waterproof outer housings that are provided with environmentally tight cable connectors. The outer housings, having a capital value of only a fraction of the electronic motherboard units, may have arrived at the new site at a different time and may even be distributed in the new survey field at the time the motherboard units arrive.

Abstract: A seismic communication system suitable to communicate information to an underground device is disclosed. A seismic source (preferably on or near the surface of the earth) generates a timed series of seismic shots. These shots are then detected by one or more seismic receivers underground. Depending on the timing of these seismic shots, and the communication protocol selected, various information may be communicated to the underground target. Such a system is particularly desirable when the underground device includes a perforating gun because the perforating gun may not only be remotely detonated without the drawbacks of previous methods, but the detonation of the perforating gun charges may also be detected, giving an indication whether substantially fewer than all of the explosive charges detonated. The seismic communication system may also be used, as a component within a multi-functional well seismic system, for seismic reservoir monitoring or seismic monitoring of well operations.

Abstract: A liner for an explosive shaped charge is formed from a mixture of powdered metals into three or more conical sections wherein the axial height of the first two sections is 30% to 70% of the total liner height. The first conical section may be formed to an included angle of about 20° to about 60°. The second conical section is formed to a greater included angle of about 30° to about 70°. The third conical section is formed to a density less than that of the first and second section and to an included angle that is preferably greater than the first section and equal to or less than the second section.

Abstract: A seismic data acquisition module includes a motherboard that is environmentally protected as a independent unit by an integral sheath, envelope or encapsulating cover. The motherboard unit is suitably configured for rapid and frequent manual removal from the interior cavity of a protective outer housing for compact and more secure packaging as well as more convenient transport over great distances, if necessary, to successively different survey sites. At a new survey site, the motherboard units may be inserted into more bulky but also more rugged or waterproof outer housings that are provided with environmentally tight cable connectors. The outer housings, having a capital value of only a fraction of the electronic motherboard units, may have arrived at the new site at a different time and may even be distributed in the new survey field at the time the motherboard units arrive.

Abstract: A rifle barrel for realigning a projectile which is propelled through the barrel by gas pressure, the barrel comprising: a bore having a bore diameter through which a projectile may travel; rifling ridges within the bore; and at least one bore expansion chamber in the bore, wherein a diameter of the at least one bore expansion chamber is greater than the bore diameter, wherein a length of the at least one expansion chamber is smaller than an overall length of the projectile and greater than a contact length of the projectile. A process for projecting a projectile from a rifle barrel, the process comprising: increasing gas pressure behind the projectile in the rifle barrel, whereby the projectile is propelled through the rifle barrel; and passing a burst of gas around the projectile, whereby the projectile is aligned coaxially in the rifle barrel.

Abstract: A shaped charge tubing cutter performance test apparatus and procedure comprises a plurality of test coupons, preferably fabricated from a pipe wall section of the test subject. The coupons are configured with a height greater than the axial length of the shaped charge device and a width greater than the nine wall thickness. These coupons are secured around a circular perimeter with the width plane radiating from the perimeter and the thickness edges in parallel alignment. The circular perimeter diameter corresponds to the shaped charge diameter. A shaped charge cutter is centrally positioned within the coupon encirclement and discharged. Penetration of the cutter plasma into the coupons is measured directly. In variation, the entire assembly is encased, subjected to hydraulic pressure corresponding to a desired well depth and discharged.

Abstract: A seismic communication system suitable to communicate information to an underground device is disclosed. A seismic source (preferably on or near the surface of the earth) generates a timed series of seismic shots. These shots are then detected by one or more seismic receivers underground. Depending on the timing of these seismic shots, and the communication protocol selected, various information may be communicated to the underground target. Such a system is particularly desirable when the underground device includes a perforating gun because the perforating gun may not only be remotely detonated without the drawbacks of previous methods, but the detonation of the perforating gun charges may also be detected, giving an indication whether substantially fewer than all of the explosive charges detonated.

Abstract: Insulating oil in electric power transmission devices such as a transformer is filtered for removal of accumulated water and carbon particles. The filter and circulation pump are usually located in a separate cabinet external to the transformer with circulation conduits connecting the filter, the pump and the transformer. To prevent environmental contamination by leaks or ruptures in the oil circulation conduits, secondary or sleeving conduits surround and protect the circulation conduits and additionally provide an independent leak flow conduit back to the filter cabinet dry sump. An accumulation of oil in the dry sump actuates a fluid sensor to transmit an alarm signal.

Abstract: In a multiple well completion, spaced apart production packers isolate independent production zones from one another. In each isolated production zone, a side pocket mandrel with a full opening bore has lengthwise extending side by side elongated pockets (1) for receiving a static pressure measuring instrument or tool (static pressure pocket); (2) for providing a venturi flow passageway (flow passageway pocket); and (3) for receiving a differential pressure measuring tool (differential pressure pocket). The static pressure measuring tool and the differential pressure measuring tool or instrument are commonly connected by a data coupling means to a single electrical conductor line which is strapped to the string of tubing and extends to the earth's surface for transmission of control signals and data signals between the earth's surface and the various side pocket tools.

Abstract: Load bearing panels and walls for habitable shelters are formed from relatively thin wall metallic tubing on widely spaced centers joined by a multiplicity of joint systems including shrink fit lap splicing, detent forming at standardized positional increments and frictional heat dissipation. The metallic tubing is arranged in rows along a line as well as intersecting rows along a second perpendicular line so as to form a load bearing panel with rows of tubes lying in a single plane. Tubing elements of one row intersecting and secured to the tubing elements of the second row without mechanical fasteners. Discreet interference fit tolerances facilitate the construction of a non-welded, stress distributing structure highly suitable for earthquake resistance and wildfire survival.

Abstract: Insulating oil in electric power transmission switchgear such as a load tap changer for a transformer is filtered for removal of accumulated water and carbon particles. The filter and associated circulation pump is usually located in a separate cabinet external to the switchgear with circulation conduits connecting the filter, the pump and the switchgear reservoir. To prevent or minimize equipment damage that is presaged by excessive insulating oil temperature, oil flow within the oil circulation conduits is monitored for temperature excesses. Alarms are issued and electrical loads are disconnected upon detection of an excess temperature event. If desired, provision may be made for disconnected the jeopardized equipment from its respective service load.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating structural weaknesses in polymer matrix composites is described. An object to be studied is illuminated with laser radiation and fluorescence emanating therefrom is collected and filtered. The fluorescence is then imaged and the image is studied to determine fluorescence intensity over the surface of the object being studied and the wavelength of maximum fluorescent intensity. Such images provide a map of the structural integrity of the part being studied and weaknesses, particularly weaknesses created by exposure of the object to heat, are readily visible in the image.

Abstract: A mass microsensor is fabricated with a microcantilever oscillated by a piezoelectric transducer. A chemical coating having absorptive or adsorptive affinity for a specifically targeted chemical or compound is applied to the microcantilever for oscillation in the monitored atmosphere. Molecules of the targeted chemical attach to the microcantilever coating resulting in an oscillating mass increase which influences the resonant frequency of the microcantilever oscillation. The rate at which the coated microcantilever accumulates the target chemical is functional of the target chemical concentration. Consequently, the extent of microcantilever oscillation frequency change is related to the concentration of the target chemical within the monitored atmosphere.

Abstract: A controlled descent-speed, line system is described for the emergency evacuation of high office buildings, apartments and hotels. Included is a small diameter, high-strength steel cable of sufficient length wound upon a flanged reel. One reel flange is hobbed for drive chain teeth to drive a centrifugal clutch rotor hub sprocket. The out-drive clutch drum torques a linear actuator shaft which applies direct braking force to the cable reel. The load end of the cable is provided with a harness and umbrella deployable shield. The shield is stored as a slender, elongated column. Upon use, weight of the user collapses a number of straight spring strips into respective bows to approximate a spherical ball connected in the cable line above the users head to deflect heavy, falling debris and to maintain clearance between the face of the evacuated building and the user.

Abstract: A composite structural panel of high strength and toughness is relatively inexpensively formed with state-of-the-art corrugated paperboard equipment and technology by bonding structural reinforcing fiber to a corrugated medium at an approximately 15.degree. orientation angle relative to the medium flute axes.

Abstract: A rotary converting machine gum box is replenished with adhesive by means of a pumped circulation system which includes a first pump delivery conduit at one end of the gum box and a second pump suction conduit at the other end. A small adhesive pond or trough region between the two gum box ends carries the adhesive flow from one end to the other parallel to the meter roll surface and in flooding contact therewith. Adhesive pond level within the gum box is regulated by a speed differential between the two pumps thereby regulating the relative supply and withdrawal rates of the two pumps.

Abstract: A particular papermachine and type of pulp stock for forming a particular basis weight web are analyzed for deriving a correlation between pulp stock drainage rate and the lowest obtainable critical moisture content of said paper web. From knowledge of the lowest critical moisture content and main steam pressure, differential pressure values between the several dryer pressure sections of the papermachine are determined for drying said web along the most energy-efficient drying rate trajectory. Also disclosed is a dryer steam pressure differential control program for maintenance of a pre-determined magnitude of condensate inventory within the drying cylinders under normal running conditions and under conditions of interrupted web continuity.

Abstract: A viscous flow thermoplastic film is extruded as a variant thickness profile curtain by means of an extrusion die having a flow choke rod extending longitudinally parallel with the die jaws and positioned within one die jaw for chordal projection into the die flow channel. The choke rod is surface relieved by chordal flats at locations corresponding to film zones of greater thickness. A single rod may be provided with as many profile pattern sequences as space and dimension allows chordal segments around the rod circumference. Pattern selection may be changed under die running conditions by rotating the profile rod about its axis to align the flats of the desired pattern within the die flow channel.

Abstract: A system for distributing steam to a travelling web includes an elongated chamber having numerous steam distribution outlets arranged therealong and a steam inlet manifold extending lengthwise along the interior of the chamber. A plurality of ports formed along the manifold serve to admit steam from the manifold to the chamber. A system of manually adjustable valves individually controls the amount of fluid passing through each port from the manifold into the chamber to thereby enable an operator to selectively establish various profiles of steam distribution. In a preferred embodiment the system is located above the web. The steam distribution outlets are directed downwardly and each is surrounded on the interior of the chamber by an upstanding ferrule which prevents condensation from passing from the chamber onto the web.