Abstract: A modular bridge deck system supported on a plurality of cooperating girders and the deck system that comprises a plurality of deck panels secured together to form a modular bridge deck. Each deck panel is preferably formed by longitudinally shop friction-stir welding a plurality of elongated, multi-void, extruded aluminum structural elements. A top surface of each respective deck panel and the longitudinal shop-welding form a substantially continuous top surface of the modular bridge deck. In addition, the modular bridge deck has a depth and weight that is substantially equal to a weight of a steel open-grid deck of a moveable bridge or fixed span bridge to be replaced by the modular bridge deck system.

Abstract: A switch includes a casing having a bore, a piston assembly having a first end and an exposed end, a plurality of flanges formed at the first end; an insulating sleeve enclosing the first end, a contact assembly disposed in the casing bore; a pin disposed in the bore; a predetermined quantity of lubricant deposited in the bore; and a spring urging the pin into engagement with the piston assembly. The insulating sleeve and the plurality of flanges are at least partially disposed in the casing bore. The pin has: (i) a first position wherein the pin electrically contacts the piston assembly and is electrically isolated from the contact assembly; and (ii) a second position wherein the pin is electrically isolated from the piston assembly and electrically engages the contact assembly. The predetermined quantity of lubricant may be approximately 0.3 grams.

Abstract: A modular bridge deck system supported on a plurality of cooperating girders and the deck system that comprises a plurality of deck panels secured together to form a modular bridge deck. Each deck panel is preferably formed by longitudinally shop friction-stir welding a plurality of elongated, multi-void, extruded aluminum structural elements. A top surface of each respective deck panel and the longitudinal shop-welding form a substantially continuous top surface of the modular bridge deck. In addition, the modular bridge deck has a depth and weight that is substantially equal to a weight of a steel open-grid deck of a moveable bridge or fixed span bridge to be replaced by the modular bridge deck system.

Abstract: A switch includes a casing having a bore, a piston assembly having a first end and an exposed end, a plurality of flanges formed at the first end; an insulating sleeve enclosing the first end, a contact assembly disposed in the casing bore; a pin disposed in the bore; a predetermined quantity of lubricant deposited in the bore; and a spring urging the pin into engagement with the piston assembly. The insulating sleeve and the plurality of flanges are at least partially disposed in the casing bore. The pin has: (i) a first position wherein the pin electrically contacts the piston assembly and is electrically isolated from the contact assembly; and (ii) a second position wherein the pin is electrically isolated from the piston assembly and electrically engages the contact assembly. The predetermined quantity of lubricant may be approximately 0.3 grams.

Abstract: A method and system for cementing and perforating a wellbore in a single step by coupling a perforating gun with a wiper plug. The method includes injecting cement in a wellbore having casing therein and an annulus between the casing and wellbore. A wiper plug is dropped on the cement having a perforating gun attached to the wiper plug. The plug is forced downward pulling the perforating gun along. The downward motion of the plug in turn pushes the cement out the bottom end of the casing and into the annulus. The cement in the annulus is allowed to set and the perforating gun is activated.

Abstract: A method and system for cementing and perforating a wellbore in a single step by coupling a perforating gun with a wiper plug. The method includes injecting cement in a wellbore having casing therein and an annulus between the casing and wellbore. A wiper plug is dropped on the cement having a perforating gun attached to the wiper plug. The plug is forced downward pulling the perforating gun along. The downward motion of the plug in turn pushes the cement out the bottom end of the casing and into the annulus. The cement in the annulus is allowed to set and the perforating gun is activated.

Abstract: A ring reinforcement is utilized on the circular head and bottom of a conventional 55 gallon drum. The conventional drum contains a cylindrical steel body having the two conventional V-shaped ribs expanded into the sidewalls at the middle of the cylinder. The drum—when either of the open-head or closed-head variety—has a circular head and a circular bottom closing in sealed relationship with the drum interior. This circular head and circular bottom are reinforced by welding a drum-reinforcing rim preferably inside the barrel. It has been found that remarkable resistance to bulging results, enabling the barrel to be shipped with product with up to 25 psi pressure relative to the barrel exterior without objectional distortion.

Abstract: An open head drum (2) is provided with an improved seal for preventing the entrance of contaminating air during jarring transport of the drum. The conventional open head drum includes a hollow tubular drum body (4), an integrally attached circular end wall (12) closing one end of the hollow tubular drum body, and a lid seat (6) defined in the hollow tubular drum body adjacent the open end for receiving a removable drum lid (10). The removable drum lid is likewise conventional having an inner wall (16) for closing the open end of the hollow tubular drum body and an outer wall (18) for co-acting with the lid seat in sealed relationship for closing the hollow tubular drum body. The improved seal includes an endless sealing membrane (30) extending continuously around the lid seat and the removable drum lid.

Abstract: A precious metal electrical contact dot formed from a ribbon of base metal having one substantially flat side and one cylindrically rounded side has precious metal plated on the rounded side and a central ridge formed on the substantially flat side. A tab is formed by cutting a short length from the end of the ribbon, and the substantially flat side of the tab is resistance-welded to the wall of an electrical socket. The wall may be essentially copper, the base metal essentially nickel, and the precious metal essentially gold. A precious metal, gold, wash may be applied over the tab and adjacent wall surface.

Abstract: An improved electrical socket for providing superior electrical and mechanical contact to a mating electrical pin. The socket includes an elongated metallic box which receives the pin contact. An elliptical spring is secured in the box by ear pairs projecting from the opposing ends of the elliptical spring. A pair of cantilevered beams, integral with the top of the box, are bent slightly downward and have their free ends in contact with the ends of the elliptical spring. The cantilevered beams thus form a pair of single leaf springs. The elliptical spring and the cantilevered beams cooperate with each other to provide a suitable force on the inserted pin over a wide range of deflections of the springs.