Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a rotatable electrical coupling assembly having a first part and a second part that electrically couple and rotate relative to each other. The second part is carried by and rotates with a tube collar coupled to a transducer. A portion of the transducer is inserted through an aperture of the second part, but does not contact the second part. The first part of the assembly may electrically couple to the second part via pogo pins, brush contacts, or ball bearings. Alternatively, the first part may comprise conductive channels formed in the casing. The second part may comprise a rotatable drum with a conductive trace. In some versions, one or more components may comprise MID components. In another version, the rotatable electrical coupling assembly comprises a rotatable PC board and brush contact. Further still, a circuit board may be provided with the transducer inside a transducer casing.

Abstract: A method for fabricating sections of a floating offshore spar type structure and mating the sections offshore. A buoyant hard tank is fabricated vertically. The hard tank is then transported in a vertical orientation to a site where it is mated to a truss section of the spar structure offshore while the hard tank and truss section are both in the vertical orientation. The mated tank and truss sections are then towed in the vertical orientation to the operational site. The hard tank is fabricated with a larger diameter and correspondingly shallower draft than a more traditionally proportioned hard tank.

Abstract: A method for fabricating sections of a floating offshore spar type structure and mating the sections offshore. A buoyant hard tank is fabricated vertically. The hard tank is then transported in a vertical orientation to a site where it is mated to a truss section of the spar structure offshore while the hard tank and truss section are both in the vertical orientation. The mated tank and truss sections are then towed in the vertical orientation to the operational site. The hard tank is fabricated with a larger diameter and correspondingly shallower draft than a more traditionally proportioned hard tank.

Abstract: A pile is plugged at its lower end or tip region so as to make it easier to drive. Additionally, such a plugged pile facilitates the transportation and handling of the pile prior to its driving.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a method of installing well conductors in such a way that the load upon the platform is significantly reduced thereby also eliminating the need for additional framing members. In accordance with this method, an end region of a well conductor is plugged which, if the conductor has a diameter-to-wall thickness ratio of about thirty to one (30:1), will cause the conductor to achieve nearly neutral buoyancy. By selectively adjusting the buoyancy of the conductor, such as by flooding or de-ballasting, additional conductor lengths may be added without imposing an unduly large load upon the platform. In this fashion, a smaller crane will be able to lower the conductor string without the need for a much larger derrick crane, which may then be more efficiently used solely to upend and stab the elongated conductors through the platform.