Abstract: The device is an apparatus for measuring the downhole weight of a drill string. The measuring device comprises an annular expandable hydraulic cylinder having a central bore through which the tubular string can pass. A removable slip means is placed between the tubular string and the hydraulic cylinder. A gauge indicates the weight of the tubular string. The gage is responsive to a transfer of the tubular string weight to the annular hydraulic cylinder by the insertion of slips between the tubular string and the cylinder.

Abstract: An improved barge and tug connection apparatus comprises a barge having a V-notched portion for receiving a tug into the V-notch. A tug for pushing the barge is disposed during operation within the notch allowing the tug to pitch and heave in the notch relative to the barge responsive to wave action. An articulated bow fender attached normally to the bow of the tug and disposed during operation between the bow of the tug and a portion of the notch of the barge longitudinally spaces the barge from the bow of the tug. The articulated bow fender maintains a substantially constant horizontal spacing of the barge with respect to the tug in a longitudinal direction while allowing both the tug along its entire length to pitch and heave with respect to the barge responsive to wave action.

Abstract: A wave responsive generator comprises a buoyant float having an outer fixed shaft downwardly depending from the float with an inner rotatable drive shaft movably mounted within the outer shaft. At the lower most portion of the shaft opposite the float is a turbine affixed to the inner drive shaft opposite the float. A plurality of reversible vanes are movably mounted on the turbine for transmitting rotational energy to the inner drive shaft responsive to either upward or downward motion of the shaft responsive to wave action on the float. An electric generator or alternator is mounted on the float and cooperates with the inner rotatable shaft to produce an electric current responsive to the rotation of the inner shaft.

Abstract: A retrievable float valve hanger tool assembly provides a hanger sub having a first upper connection for attaching the hanger sub, for example, threadably, to a drill string or work string. A second lower connection means on the sub provides both external and internal threaded (for example) connections, which allow the sub to be connected on its inner threads to a float valve canister and at its external threads to an extension which forms a protective housing about the float valve and its valve canister during operation. The device places the float valve below the joint of the sub and the extension so that an explosive charge can be detonated at the joint allowing easy removal of the float valve from the drill string in the event that the drill pipe becomes stuck. A continuous bore through the assembly allows fluid circulation through the tool in the work string and also allows the explosive charge to be lowered by wireline, for example, to the tool assembly at the appropriate joint.

Abstract: A tracked, amphibious vehicle with track securement and guide means for the track to prevent "track throw" or loss. The vehicle includes two spaced, parallel pontoons joined by a centrally located operator's platform structure, with each pontoon having a moveable track for propulsion, with the track supported on its pontoon by fore and aft sprocket wheel sets and a series of larger bogie wheels at its bottom and smaller guide wheels at its top. Each track comprises a parallel set of rubber, continuous, endless belts joined together by a series of laterally disposed cleats with drive lugs, which lugs are engaged by the teeth of the sprocket wheels. For track securement in a first embodiment (FIG. 5) every fifth cleat includes an inwardly projecting, polyethylene T-hanger retainer which matingly fits and rides in a beam guide attached to the bottom of the pontoon and extends from the initial bottom bogie wheel to the entry of the aft, drive sprocket. In a record embodiment (note FIG.

Abstract: A method of driving composite timber pile sections provides a pair of timber pile sections, the first of which is driven into the earth a distance leaving the butt of the pile exposed. A splice element is embedded into the remaining pile section and leveling material is added to the top of the first pile section. Upon assembly and during driving, the leveling material is laterally confined with the splice element while the respective mating surfaces of the two pile sections confine the leveling material vertically with the leveling material thus transferring compressive load between the two pile sections. In the preferred embodiment the splice element is a cylindrical element having a hollow inner bore which during operation contains the leveling material. An initially displaceable but later setting, non-displaceable material such as mortar (a mixture of cement, sand and water) could be used as the leveling material.

Abstract: A protective vest for use by motorcycle riders, snow mobile riders, rodeo riders and the like provides an integral inner vest of cushioned material such as foam having a vertical opening at the front portion thereof and a pair of arm openings allowing it to be dorned by a wearer. A lowermost circumferential armor plate of hardened plastic, for example, extends from the vertical opening 360.degree. degrees around the wearer and vertically from the lowermost portion of the vest upwardly a distance terminating at the middle portion of the vest. The hardened armor plate is bonded, for example, directly to the innermost foam vest. A pair of bilaterally symmetrical hardened plates extend from the mid portion of the vest upwardly over the shoulder of the vest and downwardly onto the back portion thereof forming a pair of bilaterally symmetric continuous armor plated panels separate from the lowermost panel and from each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides unique hinge means comprising three components, two of which are wedge shaped members or segments which slidably pivot relative to each other about a central pivot point and the third being a base bracket pivotably attached to the center wedge whereby the two wedge members fan open relative to the base bracket in operational sequence.The present hinge finds particular application for use in a solid rigid suitcase and which is adapted for retaining garments in a full length arrangement. The present suitcase comprises two halves operably connected along their bottom portions by opposing pairs of expanding hinges positioned at each end.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the mounting of lift cranes on jackup rigs, offshore platforms, and like offshore structures provides a first static bearing race portion which is mounted upon the jacking structure, for example, of a jackup rig surrounding the telescoping leg associated therewith. On offshore platforms, a vertical leg portion of the jacket can be extended vertically with the static bearing race portion being affixed to the extended vertical jacket leg. A second movable bearing race portion is attached to the static race portion with a plurality of bearings therebetween allowing the first and second bearing race portions to rotate with respect to one another. The crane is then supported on the upper bearing race portion with the telescoping leg of the jackup rig or offshore jacket structure passing through both bearing race portions, the crane structure unencumbering vertical movement of the leg in the case of a jackup rig.

Abstract: A self-contained signal balloon dispensing apparatus provides a lower case having a bottom and attaches to enclosing side walls with an open top. An upper lid assembly hingedly affixes to the lower case at the open top, the lid assembly providing at least a pair of half enclosure sections, at least one of which provides a horizontal partition when in a closed position to at least partially seal the open top. A vertical partition is mounted within the lower case and divides the lower case into two parts. A shaft is mounted within the lower case and attaches at one end portion to the partition and at the opposite end portion to the side wall. A dispensing spool wound with a length of tether line is rotatably mounted on the shaft. A helium gas dispensing canister is mounted in the lower case on the opposite side of the partition from the spool. An inflatable balloon is mounted within the case and connects to the canister.

Abstract: A foot-powered wheeled vehicle provides a frame having a platform normally occupied by a user. A pair of spaced apart front and rear trucks each supports a pinion geared shaft and a pair of wheels affixed to opposite ends of the shaft and rotatably with respect to the platform. A pair of independently actuable front and rear foot pedals hingedly are connected to the frame, each of the pedals being movable as desired by the operator between upper relaxed and lower depressed positions with each of the pedals being capable of imparting rotational energy to the wheels associated with its truck. Return springs are associated with each of the pedals for independently biasing each of the pedals toward the upper position which is overcome only by depression by the foot of the operator. Each pedal provides a curved toothed gear rack which is connected at its uppermost end portion to the pedal and which drivingly engages the pinion gear portion of the shaft responsive to depression of the pedal.

Abstract: An enclosed deer stand climber apparatus provides a covered frame having a top, a bottom space therefrom and a plurality of side walls defining an enclosure therebetween with the rearmost of the side walls normally being adjacent a tree to which the frame is attached. An opening is provided in the bottom and a closure means for sealing the opening. A folding seat is mounted on the frame and within the enclosure between a first folded climbing position removed from a vertical path generally above the opening to a second operating position vertically above the opening. Upper and lower climbing brackets are provided on the frame which transfer load to the tree and grip it. A tree gripping member separate from the frame and providing a means for attachment to the feet of the operator is provided. During operation, the entire frame can be elevated by a single operator and after placement provides an entirely enclosed protective tree stand protecting the inhabitant from wind, cold and rain.

Abstract: A ladder support for use with a vehicle wherein the lowermost portion of a ladder could be pivotally and detachably connected to the vehicle bumper, and cables attached between the upper portion of the ladder and the vehicle to hold the ladder in a position leaning away from the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for protecting hand operable valves which have a hand wheel attached to the valve stem. A valve stem cover is provided having an attachment to the assembly of the hand wheel and the stem, and having an open-ended nipple section on its upper end for receiving the valve stem therethrough. The nipple is provided with a plurality of laterally projecting ribbed edges. A tubular flexible, rubber-like sleeve section attaches to the nipple by frictionally engaging the ribbed edges. A cap encloses the uppermost second end of the tube section so as to encapsulate the valve stem together with the tube and the valve stem cover.

Abstract: A spreader bar assembly provides a rigid elongated support of uniform cross-section (for example, a section of pipe). A pair of lifting eye assemblies are connected during the lifting operation at each respective end portion of the bar, each forming a connection with an above supporting bridle line and a depending lift line, each of the lifting eye assemblies comprising in part a socket of uniform cross-section receptive of one end of said bar thereinto and having a corresponding internal cross-section equal to or slightly larger than the external cross-section of the support bar. A stop is provided within the socket for limiting the penetration of the bar into the socket.

Abstract: A retrievable float valve hanger tool assembly provides a hanger sub having a first upper connection for attaching the hanger sub, for example, threadably, to a drill string or work string. A second lower connection means on the sub provides both external and internal threaded (for example) connections, which allow the sub to be connected on its inner threads to a float valve canister and at its external threads to an extension which forms a protective housing about the float valve and its valve canister during operation. The device places the float valve below the joint of the sub and the extension so that an explosive charge can be detonated at the joint allowing easy removal of the float valve from the drill string in the event that the drill pipe becomes stuck. A continuous bore through the assembly allows fluid circulation through the tool in the work string and also allows the explosive charge to be lowered by wireline, for example, to the tool assembly at the appropriate joint.

Abstract: A high pressure gate valve apparatus provides an elongated cylindrical valve body providing a fluid conveying linear cylindrical longitudinal bore of substantially uniform configuration. A gate valving member is movable within the valve body entirely within the confines of the valve body and not projecting laterally therebeyond. The valve member is movable at generally right angles to and intersecting the fluid conveying bore with the gate valving member providing a flow opening therethrough, the valving member being movable within the valve body between open flow and closed flow positions. A pair of spaced generally parallel cylindrical drive chamber is provided on the valve body substantially parallel to the central flow conveying bore.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cargo valve mounted upon a horizontal bulkhead having a discharge opening. A vertically disposed preferably cylindrical valve housing is mounted on the bulkhead above the opening and a plurality of support plates mounted at their respective end portions to the bulkhead and to the valve body. The plates support the body a distance above the opening allowing fluid of slurry flow to enter the discharge opening between the bulkhead and the valve body. A preferably cylindrical valve piston is slidably mounted within the valve body housing between upper open and lower closed positions. The valve piston provides a lower preferably circular valve seat conforming to the circular discharge opening which has a diameter preferably greater than the diameter of the opening which allows for the sealing thereof. A seal is provided at the lower circular edge of the seat and forms a closure of the discharge opening when the valve piston is in its lower closed position.

Abstract: A thoracostomy tube provides a pumping arrangement associated with the tube for removing blood and like fluids which enter the tube from the chest cavity area. An elongated tube for conveying liquids is provided, a portion of the tube being insertable, at least in part, into the thoracic cavity area of a patient during a thoracostomy. A valve, which can be, for example, a Heimlich valve, is associated with the tube and is mounted in the distal end portion which is placed into the lung cavity area during the thoracostomy. The valve allows fluids to flow into the tube under the urging of only the pressure normally experienced within the lung cavity. Once fluids pass from the lung cavity area into the tube through the valve, they are removed by a vacuum which is created at the outlet portion of the valve.

Abstract: A covering for exterior water faucets provides a cover assembly which is secured to the side of a home, for example, encapsulating the exposed water faucet with means being provided for securing the cover about the faucet, the means including a cap having internal threads for threadably attaching it to the external threads of the faucet with a cable being secured at one end to the cap and penetrating a provided opening in the cover wall. At the opposite end portion from the cap, the cable is secured to the cover wall with tensile force being utilized to anchor the cover assembly about the faucet. In the preferred embodiment the cable includes a ball chain and a plastic lock is provided for anchoring the cover to the ball chain by occupying a position between successive ball portions of the chain.