Abstract: A pipeline laying ship and an improved method of laying a pipeline in a marine environment is disclosed. The pipeline laying ship is a dynamically positioned barge or self-propelled dynamically positioned vessel with a hull having a deck area that supports a pair of reels. The reels are independently rotatable, and are position to generally port and starboard relative to one another. A pipe joint storage area is provided for containing multiple joints of pipe. One or more pipeline welding stations are provided on the deck next to the reels, the pipeline welding stations being positioned to join the joints of pipe together to form an elongated pipeline that can be wound upon a selected reel of said pair of reels. A tower is provided for guiding the elongated pipeline as it is unwound from a selected reel, the tower including at least a bend controller, a straightener and a tensioner.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the testing of railroad locomotive wheels and railroad car wheels using an ultrasonic probe and a probe holder that pivotally connects to the probe at a specially shaped yoke member. The probe has a pair of extension arms available in different lengths, such as four inches, seven inches, and fourteen inches long. These various handles in kit form enable a user to apply very even pressure to every portion of the inside and outside surfaces of the periphery of the wheel in the thickened peripheral portion of the wheel that is typically tested for defects. With the present invention, the user can pivotally position the handle or extension arm relative to the wear surface of the transducer notwithstanding the fact that the transducer must be positioned 360 degrees about the wheel and on both the inside and outside surfaces of the wheel as part of the testing procedure.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus enables a user to cook bu boiling, steaming or frying food items. The apparatus includes a burner having a base that is specially shaped to cradle a pot. The pot has a valved flowline that enables the user to drain any fluid that was used for cooking (eg. water, oil, seasoned water, stock, etc.). An upper section above the support surface of the burner for engaging the sidewall of the pot should the pot be tipped inadvertently. The burner includes upper members that are supported above the bottom of the pot and a lower member that engages an underlying supporting surface. The upper pot support members include a ring with a bent, U-shaped section that extends on opposite sides of and under the valved drain flowline. The burner frame can have a plurality of circumferentially spaced radially extending legs. Radial and circumferentially spaced struts define part of the frame and are shaped and cradle the bottom of the pot and its sidewall respectively.

Abstract: A hearing aid instrument of the in-the-ear type (and preferably CIC) provides a plate member with electronic hearing aid components mounted thereto. The plate member is preferably of a harder material such as hard plastic. A soft polymeric body is bonded to the plate member and encapsulates preferably a plurality of the electronic hearing aid components. The body is soft and is shaped to conform to the ear canal of the user. The soft polymeric body and encapsulated electronic hearing aid components define a soft structure compliant to the ear canal during use and that is substantially solid and free of void spaces between at least some of the components and the ear canal. This combination of soft compliant structure and encapsulated electronic hearing aid components addresses problems of peripheral leakage, poor fit, pivotal displacement that occurs with jaw motion and internal cross talk of components housed in prior art hollow type hearing aids.

Abstract: A vortex induced vibration suppressor and method is disclosed. The apparatus includes a body that is a flexible member of a polymeric (eg. polyurethane) construction. A plurality of helical vanes on the body extend longitudinally along and helically about the body. A longitudinal slot enables the body to be spread apart for placing the body upon a riser, pipe or pipeline. Adhesive and/or bolted connections optionally enable the body to be secured to the pipe, pipeline or riser.

Abstract: An improved Bathroom Baton apparatus which includes an electronic package designed for a one-handed operation of the water supply mechanism utilizing a membrane protective push buttons, situated on the handle, and including an electronic. module which houses battery operated solenoid valves, and electronics to facilitate the operation of the solenoid valves and battery module, in order to supply the energy to operate the components in the housing. The housing would be remotely installed at the outlet of the water supply valve which supplies water to the toilet to which the Baton is connected. There would be further provided a mercury switch in the handle to interrupt power form the battery to the electronic module when the handle is in a certain position relative to the vertical position.

Abstract: A marine platform provides a plurality of buoys, a platform having a peripheral portion that includes a plurality of attachment positions, one attachment position for each buoy, and a connection that connects each buoy to the platform at a respective attachment position, the connection allowing for sea state induced buoy motions while minimizing effect on the platform. Each connection can provide first and second portions (or devices) and a load transfer mechanism that transfers load from the first portion to the second portion so that one of the portions (or devices) can be serviced.

Abstract: A mobile bearing knee prosthesis enables a surgeon to convert a mobile bearing insert having articular surfaces, supported by a tibial base plate or tray from a rotating and translating prosthesis to one that rotates only. This conversion is accomplished with a fastener or locking member that connects through an opening in the insert to the tibial base plate. This prosthesis can be used as part of a total knee surgery when the surgeon chooses to use a prosthesis that incorporates a movable articular surface. In one embodiment, a projecting portion extends proximally from the insert and cooperates with a cam on the femoral component. The projecting portion can be a post extending up from the proximal surface of the insert and the femoral component includes an intercondylar surface that may contact the post to constrain the relative motion between the femoral component and the insert.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting and chilling wastewater samples and the like provides an insulated sample container vessel that has cooling coils therein for direct contact and heat transfer with a liquid in the container to rapidly cool the liquid. A refrigeration unit keeps the cooling coils cool. The liquid can be a sample which is required to be stored at 1-3 degrees Centigrade. The chiller is different from similar chillers in that the cooling coils simply are inserted in an insulated container, and can be removed therefrom when it is desired to transport the sample. The sample remains cool during transportation even without the cooling coils. The cooling coils are arranged in the ice chest such that coolant from the chiller enters through the upper coils and exits through the lower coils, causing the liquid sample in the upper part of the container to cool more than the sample in the lower part of the container.

Abstract: A method for consolidating an earth stratum situated in a subgrade by withdrawing water that is present in there from it. The method comprises the steps of placing from the surface of the soil and at some depth, vertical drainage strips in the earth stratum and placing horizontal drainage pipes in the upper area of the earth stratum. The vertical drainage strips and drainage pipe are connected for water transfer between them. An air sealing layer is positioned directly over the horizontal drainage pipes. The surface of the soil is closed. The horizontal drainage pipes can be connected to a pump for discharge of the collected water.

Abstract: A method of lowering items from a drilling rig to a well located below it through the use of a landing string comprised of drill pipe having an enlarged diameter section with a shoulder, in combination with upper and lower holders having wedge members with shoulders that engage and support the drill pipe at the shoulder of the enlarged diameter section. The shoulder of the drill pipe and the shoulders of the wedge members are rotatable with respect to each other.

Abstract: The invention provides a catheter, to be used preferably for cardiac diagnostic and interventional procedures, comprising an elongated tubular body having a proximal and a distal end, and at least one lumen extending axially therethrough. A plurality of support members (e.g. wires) extends through the catheter, essentially parallel to its axis, exits the catheter at a defined distance from its distal opening, and is attached at the catheter in proximity to its distal end. Manipulation of these support members leads to their flexing outward or their retraction towards the catheter, providing an adjustable support for the catheter enabling a safer and more secure engagement of the ostia of coronary arteries.

Abstract: A modular bridge apparatus includes a self-supporting truss section that can be lifted and transported as a structural unit. The modular bridge has left and right longitudinally extending trusses. Each truss section is made of an upper longitudinal chord member and a lower longitudinal chord member which are connected together at a plurality of joints with vertical and diagonally inclined web members. In the preferred embodiment, these longitudinally extending trusses occur on opposite sides of the bridge, defining the sides of the road surface and extend between supports on each end. A plurality of transverse beams extend between the left and right side trusses of the bridge at an elevation that is higher than the lower longitudinal chord members of the trusses. Some of the transverse beams extend beyond the lower longitudinal chord member, and are connected to the upper longitudinal chord members with an inclined diagonal kicker.

Abstract: An improved method of harvesting lettuce provide a frame having ground engaging members (eg. wheels, skids, tracks) that enable the frame to move along the rows of lettuce to be harvested. Powered paddles separate each head of lettuce from its stem and root system, thrusting it through the air to a conveyor. A timing arrangement coordinates the paddle actuation with the speed at which each head of lettuce is encountered. As the head is thrust upward, a spray mist emerges from the tip of one paddle and engulfs the cavity that remains after separation from the stem and root. The spray mist can be a liquid and air mixture that contains a desired chemical to prevent discoloration in the area of the “wound” resulting from being torn from the stem and root system.

Abstract: A new spool design for fishing reels is disclosed, allowing for the reversible separation of the spool into different parts for the easy removal of old fishing line and wherein a specially configured aperture is exposed upon separation of the spool parts, allowing for the introduction of one end of the line into the interior of the spool. The line can be attached to the inside of the spool, providing for a secure fastening of the line without exposure of the knot to the exterior of the spool.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for fluid transfer between a fixed marine production platform and a work vessel (eg. jack up barge). The method includes positioning the work vessel next to the production platform and then adjusting the elevational position of the vessel relative to the production platform go that the deck of the production platform and the deck of the work vessel or at about the same elevational position. A bridge truss spans between the deck portions of the production platform and work vessel, the truss having interconnected truss members and a planar surface that enables flexible hoses to be supported by the truss. The truss further includes a plurality of piping spool pieces that span across the truss. Ends of the spool pieces have quick connect fittings that enable the spool pieces to be quickly connected to the piping system of the production platform and work vessel. The gap between the production platform and the work vessel are spanned with the truss.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus includes a plurality of preferably four carriages, each carriage supporting a lifting boom. Two booms are pinned together to define a first pair, a second two booms being pinned together to define a second pair. Each pair of booms and connected carriages are placed on a preferably common travel path. Rigging can include a horizontal beam that extends between the first pair of booms and the second pair of booms. The beam can be attached to the pinned connection of each pair of booms with a sling. A powered motor-driven winch is used to power a cable that is wound between sheaves on the lower end portions of a pair of booms that are connected together. During use, the winches are simultaneously or nearly simultaneously operated to elevate the first pair of the booms and the second pair of booms at about the same time. The horizontal beam that spans in between booms is elevated.

Abstract: A monitor framing apparatus is provided for enhancing a monitor that includes a screen surrounded by a front face portion of the monitor. The apparatus includes a plurality of frame sections, including top, left and right side sections, and a bottom section. Each section provides a pair of panels connected at a fold, score, or seam. One of the panels of each pair is a panel that registers against and covers at least a portion of the front face of the monitor. A plurality of attachments, preferably slots are provided on at least one of the frame sections. These slots enable a clipboard panel or like panel to be attached to a selected frame section for supporting documents, photographs or other items at a position spaced to the right of and/or to the left of the monitor screen.

Abstract: A safety fuel tank and filler cap apparatus is disclosed for use with a powered implement such as a lawnmower, tiller, weed trimmer or the like. The apparatus includes a switch member mounted on a fuel cap and tank that disallow engine operation when the filler cap is separated from the tank such as during refueling. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a locking mechanism that can be mounted on the engine body or fuel tank that disallows removal of the filler cap until the engine has cooled to a predetermined temperature that will not cause the fuel to ignite.

Abstract: An innovative technology for composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs) has been developed which significantly increases cost effectiveness, increases reliability, and reduces weight over state-of-the-art COPVs. This technology combines an innovative thin liner made of a metal having a high modulus of elasticity and a high ductility, a high-performance composite overwrap and a high-performance film adhesive at the overwrap/liner interface. The metal liner can be fabricated from readily available titanium alloy sheet and plate using a combination of spin forming and machining to fabricate components and electron-beam welding for tank assembly. The composite overwrap is filament-wound onto an adhesive-covered titanium liner and the overwrap and adhesive are co-cured in an oven to yield an integrated tank structure.