Abstract: An apparatus and method for releasably connecting an offshore structure to a piling is disclosed. After the tubular piling is installed through the leg of the structure, a piston drives a gripping plate toward the piling until the plate firmly grips the piling. A joint between the piston and the plate accommodates variable angles between the piston and the gripping plate. More than one piston can be associated with each plate, and more than one plate may be used to selectively position the piling relative to the structure. The pistons can be manipulated to retract the gripping plates so that the pilings can be withdrawn from the structure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manipulating a fastening device such as a bolt or screw is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a handle which has a rotatable shaft inserted through the handle. A housing pivots about one end of the handle. A drive head is located in the housing and has an end which can be adopted to a socket or other device to fit the fastening device. The drive head pivots with the housing as the housing rotates about the handle. The longitudinal axis of the drive head can be aligned with the drive shaft, or the housing and drive head can be pivoted about the handle until the longitudinal axis of the drive head is perpendicular to the drive shaft, and a drive gear mechanically connects the drive shaft to the drive head. The drive shaft can be rotated to manipulate a fastening device at angles of 0.degree., 90.degree., and 270.degree. from the drive shaft.

Abstract: A probeless fluid level detector and controller is disclosed for use in monitoring and controlling the level of a conductive fluid within a container. The detector includes a multiple pin terminal strip intrusively mounted into the container. The strip is sealed to the container by a mixture of epoxy and container filings. The strip is electrically connected to a controller which controls the level of the container.

Abstract: The voltage stabilization of the secondary outputs of switched mode power supplies is effected with high efficiency by means of a regulation circuit where the current feeding the storage capacitor (26) is flowing through the primary coil (32) of a transformer (72). One end of the secondary coil (33) of this said transformer (72) is connected to one end of the primary coil (32) via a diode (34), whereas the other end of the secondary coil (33) is connected to the other end of the primary coil (32) via another diode (35) and a switching element (36). The switching element (36) is controlled by a comparator circuit (38) comparing the voltage between the output connectors (40,41) with a reference voltage. In case the output voltage goes below the preset value the switching element (36) is shorted and the storage capacitor (26) is charged at the highest possible voltage.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for excavating and pile reinforcing trenches is disclosed. A box-like central structure serves as a frame within which excavation by customary means, e.g., externally positioned back hoes, takes place. The outside walls of said central structure form temporary trench walls supporting the surrounding dirt. The inside walls of said central structure form a rear section, behind which flat piling is driven in before the entire unit advances. Advancement is carried out by means of longitudinal anchoring to the earth in the direction of travel of the apparatus and a longitudinal propulsion mechanism riding on the box frame and alternatively drilling and pushing periodically. In addition, end aligned shafts with cutting members are disposed within the front edges of the box frame walls to facilitate tunneling forward during the propulsion cycle.

Abstract: A process for economically recovering ethane, propane and heavier hydrocarbon components from methane and lighter constituents of natural gas streams is disclosed. The separation process of the natural gas stream is accomplished in two stages. The input gas stream (90) is first cooled by exchanger (58) using various streams of refrigerant. After cooling the stream (102) is partially condensed in a separator (104), with part of the methane and almost all of the ethane and heavier hydrocarbons within the stream being condensed. The condensed mixtures (112) are fed to a fractionation tower (116), where the methane and lighter gases are distilled from the other hydrocarbons. The cooling and condensation of the hydrocarbons in the feed stream and the heat source for the tower (116) are accomplished in indirect contact heat exchangers (26, 58, 68, 70) with a multi-component hydrocarbon refrigerant. The cooling of the feed stream is also accomplished by flashing of the process gases.

Abstract: The invention is a process for economically recovering carbon black, tar, oil and fuel gas from used tires. Used tires are physically sliced and fragmented. The fragments are pyrolized in an oxygen-limited, hydrocarbon vapor at subatmospheric pressure while being refluxed with process tar condensate. Vapor phase products of the pyrolysis are fractionated into tar, oil and fuel gas. The fuel gas can be compressed and burnt to provide process heat. Solid phase pyrolysis products are stripped of trash and milled to carbon black in an air swept roller mill. Carbon black is mechanically separated from the effluent air stream of the roller mill and formed into pellets that are dried in a series multi-stage fluid bed dryer.

Abstract: A pneumatically-powered hammer for giving concrete surfaces a rough texture and an efficient method for using the hammer. The hammer comprises a pneumatic riveting hammer with a uniquely short and blunt-ended accessory secured thereto. The pneumatic riveting hammer uses, for example, a 11/2 inch piston and is activated by increased air pressure thus assuring a rapid, forceful stroke. Operation of the hammer includes holding the blunt end of the accessory securely against the concrete surface to be textured while moving the hammer horizontally across the surface in short vertical strokes during the entire time the hammer is activated. Excessive gouging and corner chipping caused by the hammer are repaired by partially filling such gouges or chips with wet, fast-setting concrete and securing leavings broken away by the hammering process to the wet concrete such that the repaired gouges and chips match the remainder of the surface in color and texture.