Abstract: A crane block (FIG. 2) is provided for traveling along a central main fall symmetry line (78) defining vertical travel during movement of a hoist within a barge mounted crane. The crown block (50) is mounted to a crane boom (12) and includes a first row of relatively large diameter sheaves (54) in tandem with a second row of relatively small diameter sheaves (58). A movable block (76) is provided between the traveling block (74) and the crown block (50) and includes a third row of relatively small diameter sheaves (60) which are reeved together with the second row of sheaves. A traveling block (74) is provided with a fourth row of relatively large diameter sheaves (56) which are reeved together with the first row of sheaves (54). Sheaves in either the second (58) or third (60) rows are horizontally canted with respect to the main fall symmetry line (78) for vertical travel of the rope which is reeved between the rows.

Abstract: A peripheral processor for a central processing unit is in the form of a memory which is repetitively loaded with data scanning an array. The processor performs predefined logical operations between respective elements of successive scans of data. Preferably address signals sent to the peripheral processor via a preassigned set of address lines specify a desired one of a plurality of predetermined logical operations. Logical operations may also be performed when data is written to processor memory as well as read from the processor. A memory shift register, for example, automatically transfers original data from present scan memory to past scan memory when new data is loaded into present scan memory.

Abstract: A subpurlin (10) is provided for a building assembly having a plurality of overhead structural members (50), an insulating layer (62) and a plurality of overlapping roof panels (56). The subpurlins (10) support and space the roof panels (56) without compressing the insulating layer (62). Connector assemblies (30) secure the subpurlins (10) on the structural members (50) while permitting differential thermal movements between the roof panels (56) and the structural members (50). The connector assemblies (30) have ferrules (32) which slidingly engage slots (16) in the subpurlins (10). Washers (34) are fastened to the structural members (50) through the ferrules (32) during subpurlin (10) installation.

Abstract: An insulated roof structure includes insulating thermal elements which space attachment clips from an underlying purlin and introduce substantial thermal resistance above the purlin. Each insulating element includes a metal cap and an insulating body portion. The cap is enlarged at one end to overlappingly receive the end of an adjacent insulating block. And, the cap has a positioning device that aids accurate positioning of the overlying roof panels.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for automatic radial adjustment of a boring tool in a machine tool spindle to accurately size a bore in a workpiece within extremely close tolerances over a wide range of bore sizes.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system for use at a pipe manufacturing facility includes a computer and memory; a storage/retrieval crane operable in a storage yard; a plurality of containers, each being capable of containing material for storage and a load crane for at least one of loading or unloading respective containers. The computer is on-site proximate the storage yard and includes means for monitoring and controlling the storage/retrieval crane and load crane, means for monitoring and storing in memory information of container positions in the storage yard and means for coordinating operation of the storage/retrieval crane and load crane. The crane stores and retrieves containers in the yard in a three dimensional array, can carry containers on the crane feet, and may deliver or retrieve containers relative to load/unload stations including a load crane. At such stations pipe is transferred between containers and the load crane.

Abstract: A centrifugal grinder with an internal grinding surface and a rotor turning within that surface includes a passage for inserting material axially into the rotor and a pocket to allow the material to contact the internal grinding surface. A spray is provided on the rotor at a location trailing the pocket, to spray liquid against the internal surface and make a slurry with ground material. An element of air-foil shape is mounted on the rotor at a location trailing the spray, the air-foil having a rounded contacting portion juxtaposed against the internal grinding surface, and have the effect of lifting the slurry away from the surface. A scoop trails the foil and has a leading edge juxtaposed against the internal grinding surface, defining a pocket for collecting the scooped-up slurry. A compartment is located axially beyond the grinding surface and a passage allows the scooped up slurry to pass from the pocket of the scoop to the compartment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for grinding woodchips into pulp provides an internal grinding surface of circular section defining a cavity in which a rotor rotates. The rotor has a pocket extending to the grinding surface from an inlet spaced inwardly from the grinding surface, and the rotation of the rotor gives rise to centrifugal force urging woodchips against the surface, the woodchips entering at the inlet. The woodchips form a compact plug of material filling the pocket adjacent the surface, and the woodchips are ground to pulp and then removed from the surface to a discharge. A pressure differential is placed across the plug of material in the sense to urge the woodchips in the plug more strongly against the grinding surface, so that the woodchips can press with a satisfactory grinding force against the surface without requiring an excessive rotational speed.

Abstract: A two axis numerically controlled contour boring machine adapted for interior and exterior machining operations such as boring, facing, grooving, turning and back-facing. The machine comprises a headstock slidably driven along a first axis by a feed motor. The headstock supports a rotatable contouring head having a radial slide which is driven along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The radial slide is spindle actuated and includes adjustment means for removing backlash in the drive. The radial slide is adapted to hold quick disconnect type tools selected for the particular machining operation or operations called for by the machining program. The desired contours are generated in the workpiece by the combined motion of the headstock and radial slide along their respective axes under numerical control.

Abstract: A crane for use in a nuclear waste handling facility is disclosed. The crane includes a bridge of sufficient transverse dimension to span the width of the area being serviced, a bridge drive for moving the bridge along spaced rails extending longitudinally along opposite sides of the area being serviced, and a crane control cabinet depending from a cantilevered support extending from one end of the bridge. The nuclear waste handling facility includes a stationary radiation barrier extending longitudinally in spaced relationship to one of the rails supporting the crane. The barrier is positioned between the bridge and the crane control cabinet.

Abstract: A crane structure mounted on a transport vehicle, preferably a marine vessel, is disclosed. The crane structure includes a gantry structure mounted on a vertical tower structure and having boom portions protruding from the tower structure. Preferably, the boom portions may be pivotally lowered from their operating positions and the tower structure may be rotated in a horizontal plane, thereby reducing the overall dimensions of the crane structure to allow transport under overhead obstructions and through narrow passageways.

Abstract: The current that drives the motor for a slicing blade is continuously monitored to detect when it rises above a threshold level. This threshold level is related to the resistance to the rotation of the blade that is presented by a product being sliced. When this current rises above the threshold level, the slicing operation is momentarily interrupted. The threshold level is adjustable in accordance with the number of slices that is desired to be trimmed. While the slicing operation is interrupted, the first few irregular slices from the leading edge of the product can be carried away from the location of the slicing blade. Then slicing can resume with the first slice in the first full draft being a full slice.

Abstract: An adaptive control for a turning machine which adjusts the machining rate to maintain the actual horsepower dissipated at the cutter tip at a constant set point despite changing workpiece and cutter parameters. The machining rate is adjusted by control of the machine drive and tool feed to achieve required SFM and IPR values, respectively, within maximum and minimum SFM and IPR limits. "Speed" and "Axis" override controls are also provided. The rate of adjustment of SFM and IPR to a deviation of the cutter tip horsepower from the set point is inversely proportional to the measured system gain so that the response factor of the control loop is maximized. The commanded machining rate of (SFM) (IPR) product is periodically determined by estimating the actual machining rate and multiplying the estimate by the ratio of the set point to the cutter tip horsepower.

Abstract: An electrical circuit and method for multiplying an analog input signal by a sinusoidal function having an instantaneous phase specified by a number signaled in binary format. As a sine wave generator, the binary number is supplied by a counter clocked at a multiple of the desired sine wave frequency. The most significant bit of the counter modulates the polarity of or actually constitutes the analog input signal which is then fed to a numerically-controlled attenuator driven by the less significant binary counter outputs. The attenuator has selectively switched resistors with values specifying a sine table of attenuation from 0 to 90 degrees. A particular resistor is selected by an analog multiplexer having paired complementary outputs so that over the range of less significant bit values, a full 180 degrees of the sinusoid is generated.

Abstract: An adaptive control for a turning machine which adjusts the machining rate to maintain the actual horsepower dissipated at the cutter tip at a constant set point despite changing workpiece and cutter parameters. The machining rate is adjusted by control of the machine drive and tool feed to achieve required SFM and IPR values, respectively, within maximum and minimum SFM and IPR limits. "Speed" and "Axis" override controls are also provided. The rate of adjustment of SFM and IPR to a deviation of the cutter tip horsepower from the set point is inversely proportional to the measured system gain so that the response factor of the control loop is maximized. The cutter tip horsepower is determined by subtracting the electrical loss, mechanical friction loss, and the net power required for net acceleration of the drive, from the measured electrical power supplied to the drive motor. The cutting efficiency is monitored to perform tool wear, tool breakage, and tool protection functions.

Abstract: A single shop continuous casting facility is disclosed that comprises furnaces 10 and 10a for producing hot metal, continuous casters 12 and 12a for forming continuous lengths of solidified metal, and a rotating bridge crane 14 for transporting ladles 52 of hot metal from the pouring stands of said furnaces to the casting stands of said casters, the pouring stands of said furnaces and the casting stands of said casters being disposed within the arcuate area serviced by crane 14.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for transporting a lighter 136 from a floating position adjacent the stern 130 of ship 101 to a storage position in the cargo hold 138 of said ship, and for transporting lighter 136 from said storage position to said floating position. The system includes crane 102 which is adapted for fore and aft travel along spaced rails 104 and 106 which extend longitudinally along opposite sides of ship 101 and for hoisting lighter 136, and load frame 172 which is suspended by crane 102 and adapted for attachment to lighter 136. Vertically extendable and retractable load frame guide members 108, 110, 112 and 114 depend from crane 102. Removable aft guide members 118 and 120 are mountable on cantilevered beams 122 and 124. Removable fore guide members 126 and 128 are mountable on stern 130. Guide members 118 and 120 are adapted for being positioned below and coaxially aligned with guide members 108 and 110.

Abstract: A large cargo vessel is loaded by moving a self-unloading barge alongside and fixing it relative to the vessel. A boom assembly of the barge is slewed into alignment with a hold of the vessel whereupon a shuttle conveyor is extended over the open hold. Bulk material is then unloaded from the barge to the vessel. The boom assembly can be incrementally slewed, luffed, extended and retracted to position cargo in the hold. And, the barge can be repositioned next to the ship without assistance of a tug.

Abstract: A crane structure mounted on a transport vehicle, preferably a marine vessel, is disclosed. The crane structure includes a gantry structure mounted on a vertical tower structure and having boom portions protruding from the tower structure. Preferably, the boom portions may be pivotally lowered from their operating positions and the tower structure may be rotated in a horizontal plane, thereby reducing the overall dimensions of the crane structure to allow transport under overhead obstructions and through narrow passageways.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for covering the ridge or peak of a metal roof system is disclosed. After the metal roofing panels are set in place on the sloping surfaces of the roof and seamed together, mating halves of a ridge panel are positioned along the ridge and parallel thereto. The mating halves have cut-outs corresponding to the rib seams of the roofing panels, the cut-outs each being covered by a seam cap. After the ridge panel halves are secured to the roofing panels, the interlocking joint between them is folded over and permanently seamed together. Finally, the areas at the ends of the ridge adjacent the rakes of the building are covered by filler panels. The filler panels have cut-outs corresponding to the rib seam of the ridge panel, and the cut-outs are similarly covered by seam caps.