Abstract: A method and apparatus including a programmed computer for carrying out the method is disclosed for identifying valid fault curves on a vertical seismic section, which typically is one vertical seismic section of a three dimensional volume of seismic data. A method for automatically picking or snapping two user seed nodes to valid nodes of a valid fault curve is provided. The invention includes a process for extending a two node valid fault curve in a vertical section upwards and downwards throughout such section. A method of translating a fault curve found in one section to another parallel and vertical section and to all other desired vertical sections of the volume is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for use with a horizon picking method for 3D seismic data. Variables such as picking method, whether simple or iterative, score required of an iterative method and .DELTA.T between target wavelets and seed wavelet are input into the computer. During the picking process, parameters as to the number of successful picks and the number of failed picks because of the method of picking and because of failed picks due to the score not being achieved in the iterative method and because of failed picks due to the difference in time between the target wavelet and the seed wavelet being greater than the .DELTA.T variable are recorded. Parameters as to successful picking percentage of all target traces attempted to be picked and failure percentages are displayed simultaneously with the picked horizon and the input picking parameters.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for the recording of distortion product emission (DPE) levels in human beings. At least one microphone and a sound-delivery system is inserted in the external ear canal in a manner similar to that required to position a small hearing aid. Two primary tones T.sub.f1, T.sub.f2 are applied simultaneously to the ear. The cochlea of the inner ear produces a DPE tone which is sensed by the microphone. DPE levels are sensed as a function of input frequencies f.sub.1 and f.sub.2. Such DPE frequency is equal to 2f.sub.1 -f.sub.2. Such DPE frequencies are collected in 100 Hz steps by adjusting f.sub.1 and f.sub.2 and maintaining a substantially constant ratio between f.sub.1 and f.sub.2. Two output forms are created: an DPE audiogram and a DPE input/output function. Noise picked up by the microphone is reduced by averaging the DPE signal many times, yet causing each of the DPE signals that is averaged to be of the same phase as every other DPE signal.

Abstract: A portable support stand for a small diameter satellite dish (10) supported by a mast (22), mounted for pivotal movement in a vertical plane about a lower support bracket (40). A lower support base comprises a pair of legs (54, 56) having parallel straight portions (58) and diverging extending portions (60) for supporting the stand on a horizontal surface in a free standing relation. A ballast such as a stepping stone (70) is positioned on the upper surface of legs (54, 56) generally at the junctures of straight portions (58) with diverging portions (60) to minimize any overturning of the stand. A vertical mounting bar (76) is provided alternatively for mounting the support stand on a vertical supporting surface.

Abstract: A rotatable flow control valve mechanism is provided having a valve body having a valve chamber and straight through flow passages intersecting the valve chamber. A rotatable valve element, which may be of straight, spherical or tapered configuration, is positioned for rotation within the valve chamber and is sealed with respect to the valve body by sealing elements that surround the flow passages. The rotary valve element defines a straight through flowway that is aligned with the flow passages of the valve body in the fully open condition of the valve and permits unobstructed flow through the valve and, when the flowway has a dimension at least as great as the dimension of the flow passage, permits objects such as pigs and scrapers to pass through the valve.

Abstract: A containment boom (10) includes a plurality of self-inflatable units (12) each having a plurality of chambers (26) connected end to end. Each chamber (26) has an air valve (28) at each end thereof. A water repellent and airtight covering (32) is provided for each chamber (26). A flotation subassembly (44) is positioned within an open space formed within the covering (32). The flotation subassembly includes a pair of open cell buoyant flotation members (54, 56) disposed on adjacent sides of an intermediate water repellent flotation member (58). The intermediate water repellent flotation member (58) is preferably formed of a closed cell polyethylene material and provides increased buoyancy to open cell flotation members (54, 56), particularly in the event that a rupture of the covering were to occur such that the open cell flotation members (54, 56) absorb water.

Abstract: A differential pressure operated gas lift includes a valve element movable in a tubular body to open and close a gas flow passage having flow restricting orifices upstream thereof. A coil spring tends to open the valve element. In the open position of the valve element an external pressure responsive surface engages a seat which is axially adjustable to vary the spring force and change the length of travel of the valve element between its open and closed positions. The reopening differential pressure can be changed while maintaining the same closing pressure differential. Very large injection rates can be implemented at low differential pressures.

Abstract: A method for making an internal upset (20A) on metal drill pipe (10) having a transition section (24A) with a curved inner periphery (28A) of a concave curvature extending continuously between the central portion (12) of the pipe (10) and the increased thickness end section (22A) and formed from a radius (R2). An external upset (20) is first formed in forging steps as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 by radially expanding and squeezing the end of pipe (10). Then the final forging step radially contracts the external upset (20) to form the internal upset (20A) as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. The finished internal upset 20A as shown in FIG. 7 has a transition section 24A with an inner peripheral curved surface 28A formed from a radius (R2). The forging steps are performed with a single heating of the metal drill time in a minimum of time preferably within around one (1) minute but in any event less than around two (2) minutes.

Abstract: A free-swinging cutter element for a timber thinning machine includes a generally stirrup-shaped member having an outer wall and integral side walls. Each half of the member is formed as the frustrum of a triangle so that bevels on the upper and lower surfaces form sharp cutting edges that incline to respective upper and lower points in the center of the outer wall. This construction moves the center of mass further outward toward the outer wall to increase chipping and cutting efficiency, which is further increased by the form of the cutting edges. A single edged cutter having similar overall shape also is provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting a sheet pile (10) into an earth formation utilizing a protective housing (12) releasably connected to the sheet pile (10). The driving force exerted by a vibrator hammer (58) or drop hammer is applied against the protective housing (12) which in turn applies the driving force against the upper end of the sheet pile (10) for driving the sheet pile (10) into the formation. Movable flaps (28, 29) on the lower end of the housing (12) pivot inwardly to engage the lower end of the sheet pile (10) for releasably connecting the protective housing (12) to the sheet pile (10).

Abstract: A safety relief valve (12) for a pressure vessel (10) in which the main valve member (28) includes a valve plate or disc (52) and a retainer plate (64) having a flexible membrane or diaphragm (62) stretched therebetween in a taut relation to provide a frusto-conical shape (FIG. 3) for obtaining bubble-tight sealing against valve seat (26). A fluid chamber (116) is provided between valve plate (52) and retainer plate (64) and inlet fluid pressure is communicated through opening (118) of jack screw (106) to the fluid chamber (116) for providing inlet fluid pressure thereto to force valve plate (52) and retainer plate (64) apart for tensioning of flexible membrane (62) into a frusto-conical shape. A jack screw (106) is threaded within a bushing (94) carried by retainer plate (64). Upon rotation of jack screw (106), valve plate (52) and retainer plate (64) are forced away from each other for tensioning flexible membrane (62) into a frusto-conical shape.

Abstract: A tethered, bridle supported insect proof protective enclosure having top side and end walls composed of insect proof net fabric with the walls having bottom weighting for establishing insect sealed engagement with the ground, floor or other surface on which the apparatus is installed. The top wall is provided with an integrated supporting framework composed of a plurality of jointed support rods having ends thereof received within support pockets attached to the top wall and supported at intermediate portions thereof by means of support rings extending from reinforced support patches that are attached to the top wall. An embodiment may be provided having a floor and being of a single or double bed width and having ingress and egress through closures such as zippers or releasable fastener material that are used at wall openings.

Abstract: A cementing system where cement slurry is pumped down the annulus between the casing string and the well bore wall and then allowed to harden therein. A cement shoo on the lower end of the casing string prevents upward flow of fluids as the casing string is run, and then is opened and locked open in response to inside pressure. A normally open check valve in the casing string several joints above the cement shoo has flow passages that are closed by balls or ball discs which are suspended in a fluid spacer that is run ahead of the lower end of the column of cement slurry as it descends in the annulus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for powering a fluid pump (P) for circulation of a regenerated liquid absorber from a treating vessel or regenerator (R) to a liquid/gas contacting vessel (T) where the liquid absorber removes a predetermined component from a gas. The fluid pump (P) is driven by a shaft from fluid motor (M) and an auxiliary electric motor (E, E-1) assisting the fluid motor (M). The fluid pump (P) receives the entire output of regenerated liquid absorber from the regenerator (R) for pumping the regenerated liquid absorber to the contacting vessel (T). A bypass fluid conduit (49, 48) is utilized for initial circulation of glycol during the start up operation. A glycol measuring device (42) is effective for removing trapped air in conduits (18, 15) between the reboiler (R) and the contactor (T), and in bypass conduits (48, 49) in addition to measuring the flow rate for the liquid absorber.

Abstract: A light attachment (10) for fitting over a thermostat (T) includes a mounting flange (14) fitting behind the thermostat (T) and clamped by the thermostat (T) against the wall (W). Flange (14) includes a holder (50) extending above the top of the thermostat (T) for advertising indicia on a card (62) within a transparent cover (58) over holder (50). The advertising indicia on the card (62) within cover (58) may, for example, contain information concerning a serviceman and a telephone number. A lamp (40) for illuminating the thermostat (T) is mounted on the end of an inturned end portion (34) of a pivotally mounted telescoping arm (30). The lamp (40) may be positioned at a desired location for illuminating thermostat (T) by pivoting of the arm (30) and rotation of a hood (42) over the lamp (40). Hood (42) includes an opening (44) for directing the light to a predetermined position on the thermostat (T).

Abstract: An improved process for the glycol dehydration of water-containing natural gas comprises contacting the natural gas and glycol in a contacting zone to produce a dried natural gas and a water-rich glycol, and heating the water-rich glycol in a regeneration zone to produce a water-lean glycol for reintroduction into the contacting zone and a water-containing gaseous overhead. The gaseous overhead is partially condensed and the resulting gaseous components are returned to the contacting zone. In a preferred embodiment, the glycol is further purified by contact in a separate stripping column with dry stripping gas under a pressure lower than that of the regeneration zone.

Abstract: A hidden, receiver type trailer hitch is provided for vehicles and comprises an elongate curved or straight transverse tubular strut of rectangular cross-sectional configuration and having reinforced horizontal connection plates at each end of the strut for bolted connection of the strut to the lower surface of the longitudinal frame members of a vehicle. Vertical connection plates are connected by welds to the outside edges of the horizontal connection plates and project upwardly from the horizontal connection plates for bolted connection to the outside side walls of the frame members. A tubular hitch receiver is connected by welds to the upper wall of the transverse strut and is reinforced by reinforcing plates that are connected by welds to both the side walls of the receiver and the front wall of the transverse strut.

Abstract: A combination seismic cable handling loop and electric splice includes a U-shaped elastomer member arranged to be hung on a hasp during transportation and storage, and an integrally formed cylindrical elastomer body on the lower end of the U-shaped member which encloses a splice card by which electrical conductors in the end portions of seismic cable sections are joined, such end portions extending through the outer portions of the body which provides strain relief.

Abstract: A bib (10) for fitting about the neck of a baby and having a one piece body (12) and a pocket or pouch (14) secured thereto. Pouch (14) is secured to bib (10) between a pair of spaced neck portions (18) and (20) with the closed end of pouch (14) stitched to bib (10) along an upper edge of bib (10). The pouch (14) is free and turned outside in when the bib (10) is positioned about the neck of a child. The bib (10) is placed within pouch (14) by folding it or stuffing it via the closed end of the pouch while the pouch is turned inside out. The open end 35 of pouch (14) is then closed with bib (10) therein, and pouch (14) may then be stored or transported.