Abstract: A deployment method and system for ocean bottom seismometers (OBS) includes providing a plurality of circular shaped, wireless, self-contained OBS units. The circular shaped OBS units are loaded into a carrier and transported from a surface vessel to the ocean floor where a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) is utilized to individually place the plurality of circular OBS units on the ocean floor. Placement of each OBS unit is accomplished by utilizing suction mechanism attached to a robotic arm. The suction mechanism is defined about an axis and employs a suction cup to individually engage each circular shaped OBS unit so that the suction mechanism is coaxially aligned with the OBS unit, and move the OBS unit from a first location to the ocean floor.

Abstract: A seismic exploration method and unit comprised of continuous recording, self-contained wireless seismometer units or pods. The self-contained unit may include a tilt meter, a compass and a mechanically gimbaled clock platform. Upon retrieval, seismic data recorded by the unit can be extracted and the unit can be charged, tested, re-synchronized, and operation can be re-initiated without the need to open the unit's case. The unit may include an additional geophone to mechanically vibrate the unit to gauge the degree of coupling between the unit and the earth. The unit may correct seismic data for the effects of crystal aging arising from the clock. Deployment location of the unit may be determined tracking linear and angular acceleration from an initial position. The unit may utilize multiple geophones angularly oriented to one another in order to redundantly measure seismic activity in a particular plane.

Abstract: A positive internal latch lock for an injection mold having outer, intermediate, and inner plates movable between open and closed mold positions. The latch lock includes a mechanism for securing the outer and intermediate plates at a predetermined spaced distance when the mold is opened at a first parting line between the outer and intermediate plates. Further, the latch lock provides a mechanism for locking the intermediate and inner plates together until the outer and intermediate plates are secured at the predetermined spaced distance. After the outer and intermediate plates are secured, the intermediate and inner plates are allowed to open at a second parting line.

Abstract: Plastic mold heater moisture detection and dry out apparatus for detecting the presence of moisture in the plastic molding heaters and for drying out the heaters. The plastic mold heater moisture detection and dry out apparatus includes a heater leakage current sensor, an analog to digital converter, a microprocessor, and a triac that are operatively connected to a heater temperature sensor and the heaters. The plastic mold heater moisture detection and dry out apparatus monitors the heater leakage current that is due to moisture or the like present in the heaters and depending upon the value of this leakage current either permits normal heater operation, dries out the heaters or shuts off power if an unsafe ground fault situation exists. In drying out the heaters a series of increasing voltages are applied to the heaters during successive loops or passes to avoid heater electrical arcing that could damage and degrade the heaters.

Abstract: A retainer for use in connection with injection molding that is used to retain a slide in its open position when the mold is opening. The retainer has two pivotally connected jaw members and a coiled compression spring that applies spring pressure to the jaw members as these members engage a pin that is connected to a slide when the mold is opening. The construction of the jaw members avoids undesired spreading when the pin engages the jaw members and the jaw members are constructed in a manner that enables the retainer to be easily assembled. The retainer jaw members completely surround the coil spring and protect it from dirt and only a portion of the ends of the coil spring exert a force upon the jaw members when the retainer is in use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermoelectric converter including a series of thermoelectric cells bonded to a hot surface and to a waste heat conductor. The heat conductor is in turn bonded to cooling pipes which have corrugations to prevent the build up of thermal stresses in one direction. Thermal stress is avoided in a second direction, perpendicular to the first, by having spaces located between the thermoelectric cells. The converter can be folded into a compact configuration and is applicable to satellite power systems.

Abstract: An injection molding nozzle for use with a flowable molding material in a mold die having an elongated member with a fluid passage extending through it and a cap member having an exit orifice in fluid communication with the fluid passage of the elongated member. A torpedo member is located partially in the fluid passage of the elongated member and the torpedo member has a projection that extends into the exit orifice in the cap member to provide heat to the adjacent flowing molding material when the molding nozzle is in use. The heat provided by this projection on the torpedo member prevents the flowing molding material in the nozzle exit from solidifying and interrupting the molding process.

Abstract: A deployable space panel structure for use in connection with space vehicles such as satellites and the like. The deployable space panel structure includes a first series of interconnected substantially flat panel members and a second series of interconnected substantially flat members. Pivotal connectors that allow substantially free rotational movement interconnect the edges of certain of the flat panel members of the first and second series of interconnected panel members and a deployment mechanism is provided that permit the first series of interconnected panel members to be in a separate plane from the second series of interconnected panel members. This permits the first and second series of interconnected panel members to have greater strength and rigidity than if they were both located in the same plane.