Abstract: Automated systems and methods for evaluating specimens affixed to substrates, such as slides, an exemplary system including a slide imager configured for acquiring a plurality of micro images of a specimen affixed to an substrate, the specimen including a plurality of objects distributed within a three-dimensional volume, and for generating a whole specimen image of the specimen using the micro images, wherein objects contained in the specimen are depicted substantially in focus in the whole specimen image regardless of a z-depth of the respective objects within the specimen. The whole specimen image is stored on a storage medium for subsequent review by a cytotechnologist using a computer-controlled review station including a display and a user interface, wherein the review station user interface is configured such that the cytotechnologist can review and classify the stored whole specimen images.

Abstract: A clothing weight for preventing clothing from lifting while riding an outdoor vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes a weighted base mold. The weighted base mold defines a recess operable for receiving an inner magnet. An inner magnet is disposed within the recess and is operable to magnetically couple to an outer magnet. The inner magnet is further operable for securing a portion of an article of clothing when magnetically coupled to an outer magnet. An outer magnet is operable for magnetic attraction to the inner magnet. The outer magnet is further operable for securing a portion of an article of clothing when magnetically coupled to the inner magnet. A decorative cap is fixed to the outer magnet.

Abstract: A mudline casing hanger mechanism is set forth which is particularly intended for use in installing multiple casings which are assembled from a jack-up rig at the surface to the mudline support system of the present disclosure. This utilizes multiple casings which are arranged concentric one within the other and assembles the string of casing joints to the present support structure. This is especially useful when several casing strings are established from a rig temporarily at the location and extend to the mudline. The rig is subsequently moved and the several casing strings above the mudline are disconnected to enable the well to be shut in. All the weight of the well is transferred by casing hangers as set forth so all the weight is supported at the mudline. Later, a different platform is typically installed and the casing strings are reestablished from the mudline to the platform above the water.

Abstract: A braiding machine comprises an annular rotor (27, 28) provided with a plurality of radially extending peripheral slots (29) between which are provided mechanisms (30) mounting first supply spools (31) on the rotor (27, 28), pivotable arm members (32) are mounted on the rotor (27, 28) for moving the strands from the spools (31) into and out of the slots (29), a plurality of carrier members (39) are mounted on the rotor for movement about the axis of the rotor (27, 28) and each carrier member (39) is provided with a second spool (44), drive (41, 42, 16) are provided for moving each carrier member (39) in the opposite direction of rotation to that of the rotor (27, 28) and at the same rotational speed, the drive (41, 42, 16) including bevel gears (42) mounted on the rotor (27, 28), a toothed rack (41) provided on each carrier member (39) in engagement with the bevel gears ( 42) and an annular driving gear (16) in engagement with the bevel gears (42), some of the bevel gears (42) being connected to a further gea

Abstract: A coupling has input and output members interconnected by two-link coupling elements which are flexible in the plane of rotation by centrifugal force acting on them as the coupling rotates and by the torque transmitted. The coupling is soft over a range of speeds and torques.The input member is constructed from two metal spinnings welded together to form a housing which supports the pivot of each coupling element at both ends. The output member is similarly constructed with bushes welded on to support the pivot also at both ends. The pivots are axially free within limits increasing the axial misalignment capability of the coupling. A spring arrangement to buffer the links if they rapidly approach their stops is provided.

Abstract: Wellhead supported subsea template apparatus and methods of installing such template apparatus are provided. The template apparatus are each comprised of a central support member adapted to be positioned into engagement with an upper portion of an existing wellhead and to be supported thereon above the sea floor. Attached to the template are a plurality of laterally spaced guide slot members, mechanisms for removably connecting the central support member to a running tool, and mechanisms for preventing the support member from rotating on the wellhead after being positioned thereon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting a tubular element to an underwater wellhead. A wellhead extension having a threaded lower end is threadably connected to an underwater wellhead. A stinger connected to a lower end of a string of riser pipe is lowered into the wellhead extension until the riser pipe is sealably connected to the extension spool. In the event of damage to the hanger threads, a housing is mounted on the lower end of a string of riser pipe or a wellhead extension. A substantially tubular nut is threadably engaged with the housing and includes a set of downwardly-projecting lugs on the lower end of the nut. On the lower portion of the housing, a set of slips and an annular seal are mounted. The housing is lowered until the lugs are engaged with flow-by ports in the wellhead hanger. Rotation of the pipe effects longitudinal housing movement relative to the nut which sets the slips thereby joining the housing to the hanger, and energizes the seal between the wellhead and the housing.

Abstract: A remotely releasable pipe connector is described and comprises a first tubular connector or "pin connector" having at least one laterally extending locking member, and a slotted second tubular connector or "box connector" cooperatively disposable over the first tubular connector with the slots thereof removably engaging the first tubulars connector's locking members. One or more shear plates are attachable to the second tubular connector and are positioned to prevent the release of the locking members from the slots in the second tubular connector until the shear plates are subjected to a force greater than or equal to a predetermined force.

Abstract: A flexible coupling for disposition between two rotating shafts to reduce transmission of vibration or to increase the torque and speed range of the coupling for a given level of vibration transmission comprises input and output members connectible to driving and driven shafts and interconnected by a spacer via coupling elements which are flexible in the plane of rotation by centrifugal force and by torque transmitted through the coupling, such that, over a range of speeds and torques the spacer is relatively rotatable to at least one member.A secondary coupling is also disclosed to render radially rigid a primary coupling comprising input and output members and coupling elements. The secondary coupling may comprise a bearing or a plain bearing, a multiple bearing or a cross links flexural pivot.