Abstract: A method for predicting the performance of tubular goods includes using a computer readable three-dimensional representation of tubular good which includes computer readable measurements of discrete segments of the wall of said tubular acquired by ultrasonic detection means, along with associated data representing the position of discrete segment and optionally ovality data to mathematically calculate, by computer means, the effect of stress conditions, including tensile, bending, collapse, burst and aging forces upon said tubular and optionally analyzing sequential inspection of the same tubular good over a period of time predict when failure is likely to occur, and to avoid failure while maximizing the use of the tubular good.

Abstract: A method for predicting the performance of tubular goods includes using a computer readable three-dimensional representation of tubular good which includes computer readable measurements of discrete segments of the wall of said tubular acquired by ultrasonic detection means, along with associated data representing the position of discrete segment and optionally ovality data to predict the effect of stress conditions, including tensile, bending, collapse, burst and aging forces upon said tubular and optionally analyzing sequential inspection of the same tubular good over a period of time predict when failure is likely to occur, and to avoid failure while maximizing the use of the tubular good.

Abstract: A method for inspection of tubular goods includes using ultrasonic detection means to obtain wall thickness measurement of discrete sections of a tubular good and recording each measurement in association with both the longitudinal and circumferential position at which each measurement was obtained. Accordingly each measurement of wall thickness represents a small portion of the wall thickness of said tubular in three dimensional space. A plurality of said measurements may thereby be displayed by computer means in virtual three dimensional format. Differing wall thickness readings made be represented by different shading or color display, so that anomalies of interest may be readily detected. Alternatively the recorded information may be readily processed by computer means to calculate the effect of stressors on the wall of said tubular good.

Abstract: A method for inspection of tubular goods includes using ultrasonic detection means to obtain wall thickness measurement of discrete sections of a tubular good and recording each measurement in association with both the longitudinal and circumferential position at which each measurement was obtained. Accordingly each measurement of wall thickness represents a small portion of the wall thickness of said tubular in three dimensional space. A plurality of said measurements may thereby be displayed by computer means in virtual three dimensional format. Differing wall thickness readings made be represented by different shading or color display, so that anomalies of interest may be readily detected. Alternatively the recorded information may be readily processed by computer means to calculate the effect of stressors on the wall of said tubular good.

Abstract: A method for inspection of tubular goods includes using ultrasonic detection means to obtain wall thickness measurement of discrete sections of a tubular good and recording each measurement in association with both the longitudinal and circumferential position at which each measurement was obtained. Accordingly each measurement of wall thickness represents a small portion of the wall thickness of said tubular in three dimensional space. A plurality of said measurements may thereby be displayed by computer means in virtual three dimensional format. Differing wall thickness readings made be represented by different shading or color display, so that anomalies of interest may be readily detected. Alternatively the recorded information may be readily processed by computer means to calculate the effect of stressors on the wall of said tubular good.

Abstract: A quick-change jaw system for use on a clamping mechanism, the clamping mechanism having a first pair of jaw members, each of the first pair of jaw members having a first longitudinal face, a second longitudinal face, and a jaw body, includes a second pair of jaw members, each of the second pair of jaw members having a jaw body, a first face being machinable for compressively engaging a work piece and an opposed second face, the second face having at least a first protrusion, the protrusion being engageable with a portion of a respective first jaw member. A locking pin member is actuable for lockingly engaging the protrusion with the respective first jaw member. Additionally, a method for repeatably clamping a work piece for effecting desired working operations on the work piece is included.

Abstract: Superconductive structures and a method of forming the same wherein an assembled mass (12) of superconductive particles, or of a mixture of superconductive particles and particles having other properties, are formed into a desired confined configuration and consolidated into a rigid useful unitized body through shock-wave treatment performed at relatively lower temperatures.

Abstract: A conveyor-transfer apparatus for transferring artificial Christmas tree piquets (branches) from a first conveyor on which the piquets are parallel to the direction of travel of the conveyor to a second conveyor where they are arranged transverse to the direction of conveyor travel whereby their ends can be tapered. This is accomplished automatically without the use of manual labor.

Abstract: A contact assembly for a switch is provided which has an array of fixed surfaces, such as posts, which are arranged in a pattern such as points on a circumference and into which a conductive, elastic or resilient closed loop is seated under stress. The loop completes an electrical circuit through at least some of the fixed surfaces or posts and is moved in and out of the array by an actuator. A plurality of loops and a plurality of arrays may be provided.

Abstract: An artificial Christmas tree construction wherein artificial foliage (i.e., pine needles) is secured to rings of successively smaller diameter. The rings are supported on rods which extend outwardly and downwardly from a central support column. The tree may be stored and shipped in a carton of smaller volumetric capacity than is required for prior art artificial tree constructions.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for manufacturing an artificial tree of the type wherein a plurality of stiffly flexible stem members are intertwisted to capture stiffly flexible limb members. The method comprises (a) inserting the limb members between the stem members at spaced predetermined positions, (b) placing a slitted web along the stem members, and (c) intertwisting the stem members to capture the limb members at spaced longitudinal positions and to capture the slitted web. An artificial tree produced by this method has a full, natural appearance. Also disclosed is an apparatus for continuously and automatically performing this method.

Abstract: An improved door is provided for a mail sorting bin which is made of a resilient noise damping material and includes a trip lever integrally formed with the door. The trip lever is substantially coplanar with the door and has a first portion extending outwardly from a first transverse end of the door, a second portion which extends generally outwardly and downwardly from the first portion to engage the movable lever which holds the door shut, and a third portion which extends upward to a point even with the upper edge of the door and to define an aperture between the trip lever and the door. The door is attached between the sides of a mail sorting bin such that one side of the bin extends through this aperture. A tab, may also be formed integrally with the door so that it extends outwardly from the opposite transverse end of the door. This tab is positioned to be engaged by a spring which urges the door open.

Abstract: An artificial tree includes a vertical trunk and a number of elongated limb assemblies mounted about the circumference of the trunk so that the limb assemblies extend downwardly along and outwardly from the trunk to define a truncated cone. A frusto conical member is mounted within the truncated cone defined by the branch assembly to provide a background for the branch assemblies and to create the appearance of a thicker, fuller artificial tree.

Abstract: A continuous weighing mechanism, which contains a fluid receiver mounted upon a rocker shaft, said receiver and a portion of said rocker shaft contained within a housing which is supported by a frame, and a fluid flow indicating device, for use with a conduit system wherein a fluid material is moved and is weighed by said mechanism, said device comprising (a) a magnet which is adapted to be detachably connected to said rocker shaft on that portion thereof which is outside said housing; (b) an electromechanical switch which is adapted to be mounted on said frame, said switch being in electromagnetic relationship with said magnet so that movement of said magnet can activate said switch; (c) a control module containing input and output circuits, disposed remotely from said switch and interconnected therewith by suitable electrically conductive means, said control module adapted to receive a signal from said switch through said input circuit and upon preset circuitry conditions, activate an outside electrical pow

Abstract: A bin used in mail sorting apparatus includes a plurality of parallel vertical slots. The bottom of each slot is closed by a pivotably movable door. A tab is integrally formed with the door having a first part that is at a right angle to the door and a second part extending from the first part and parallel to the door. The tab is engaged by a resiliant damping means which prevents objectionable noise and vibration when the door is opened.

Abstract: A conduit feeding system comprising (a) a chute for containing loose feeding material passing therethrough to a discharge opening; (b) a compartmented delivery wheel positioned within said chute for receiving said material into one or more of its compartments to be conveyed thereby toward the discharge opening; (c) a motor in direct driving connection with said delivery wheel; (d) a fluid flow indicating device provided for use with a second conduit system wherein a fluid material is moved and is weighed by a continuous weighing mechanism, whereby when said device is activated by fluid material passage through said second conduit, said device energizes said motor, according to preset circuitry conditions in said device, for rotation of said wheel; and (e) suitable electrically conductive means between said device and said motor.

Abstract: A temperature indicating device for use with a conduit system wherein a fluid material is moved and is weighed by a continuous weighing mechanism comprising (a) an adapter which is partially shaped to be detachably connected to said continuous weighing mechanism and incorporated into said conduit system on that portion of said continuous weighing mechanism where the fluid material passes therefrom, said adapter being provided with a nipple in the side wall thereof; (b) a sensing probe which is slideably mounted within said nipple, said sensing probe extending throughout the entire length of said nipple and into the interior portion of said adapter whereby the sensing probe will be in thermoconducting relation with the fluid material moving through said adapter; (c) a control module containing input and output circuits, disposed remotely from said sensing probe and interconnected therewith by suitable electrically conductive means, said control module adapted to receive a signal from said sensing probe via sai