Abstract: A device for releasably locking a lever-type load binder in the closed or tightened position includes a length of cable or other suitable flexible material with a loop formed in one end. The cable passes through an opening in an abutment plate, such that the abutment plate can slide along the cable between a pair of spaced stop members fixed to the cable near its free end. When a lever-type load binder is engaged with a load-securing chain, the locking device may be used to lock the lever in the closed position by passing the loop end of the cable through a selected chain link adjacent to the lever, extending the free end of the cable around the load binder lever, and then passing the abutment plate and the tree end of the cable through the loop such that the loop is disposed behind the abutment plate, with the abutment plate preventing the loop from moving toward the free end of the cable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing burrs from inside slotted metal liners exposes the burrs to a high-intensity gas flame that effectively oxidizes or incinerates the burrs, without inducing undesirable temperature levels in the parent metal of the slotted liner. This is accomplished using a torch head assembly having multiple gas torch nozzles disposed radially around the circumferential perimeter of the torch head, such that when the torch head is passed through the interior of a slotted liner, the flames are directed toward the interior surface of the liner. Auxiliary oxygen is introduced at the nozzle outlets, resulting in a large increase in flame velocity and intensity and, in turn, an increase in the flame temperature. The auxiliary oxygen may be introduced through annular passages surrounding the nozzles, such that the auxiliary oxygen effectively forms a cylindrical curtain surrounding the flame at each nozzle.

Abstract: An articulated, modular, track-mounted, self-propelled, remote-controlled drilling apparatus is demountable into several heli-transportable components, including a drilling module and a drill support module, plus separate hydraulically-driven track carriages on which they are removably mountable. The track carriages are demountably coupled in tandem by a tri-axially articulated hitch mechanism incorporating a track steering mechanism. The drilling module carries a rotary drill, a hydraulic pump operatively connected to the track drive mechanisms, and a primary motor, which selectively drives either the drill or the pump. The use of multiple demountable modules reduces the weight of the components to be heli-transported, thus allowing the use of smaller and more economical helicopters.

Abstract: An inspection and maintenance data storage and retrieval system features uniquely identified read/write memory buttons mounted in or on an equipment unit such as an aircraft, in association with specific components of the equipment unit. Technical information useful for inspection and maintenance of the components, plus historical inspection and maintenance information, is stored in a central database computer remote from the equipment unit. A memory button probe, used in conjunction with a portable computer, enables storage on the memory buttons of information relating to inspection and maintenance carried out on the corresponding equipment components, as well as technical information related to the components. The portable computer is connected to the central database computer, preferably through a wireless Internet connection, thus enabling downloading of technical information from the central database to the portable computer at the point of inspection or maintenance.

Abstract: A shear-assisted solid state welding method for joining of metal parts, involves a first step of heating opposing surfaces in a non-passivating environment to a temperature in the hot working temperature range of the metal. A second step involves bringing the opposing surfaces into contact while still in the hot working temperature range, and applying compressive stress sufficient to substantially prevent sliding in response to shear displacement, causing plastic flow in the hot layers. A third step involves imposing relative shear displacement of the metal work pieces without disengaging the opposing surfaces. The shear displacement induces plastic shear strain within the hot layers to progressively induce bonding.

Abstract: An embedded processor system having a single-chip embedded microprocessor with analog and digital electrical interfaces to external systems. A novel processor core uses pipelined execution of multiple independent or dependent concurrent threads, together with supervisory control for monitoring and controlling the processor thread state and access to other components. The pipeline enables simultaneous execution of multiple threads by selectively avoiding memory or peripheral access conflicts through the types of pipeline stages chosen and the use of dual and tri-port memory techniques. The single processor core executes one or multiple instruction streams on multiple data streams in various combinations under the control of single or multiple threads.

Abstract: A gas-actuated reciprocal drive apparatus has a double-acting piston in a pneumatic cylinder having a chamber at each end. Gas from an area of higher pressure in a compressed gas system flows into a first chamber, while the second chamber is in fluid communication with an area of lower pressure in the gas system. The piston moves toward the second chamber, purging gas therein back to the lower-pressure area in the gas system, without any venting to the atmosphere. A four-way gas valve reverses the piston motion after each stroke, by reversing the chambers' gas connections.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus whereby the intake pipeline running between the production chamber of a natural gas well and the suction inlet of an associated wellhead compressor is completely enclosed, in airtight fashion, within a jacket of natural gas under positive pressure (i.e., higher than atmospheric). Being enclosed inside this “positive pressure jacket”, the intake pipeline is not exposed to the atmosphere at any point. This allows gas to be drawn into the compressor through the intake pipeline under a negative pressure, without risk of air entering the intake pipeline should a leak occur in the pipeline. If such a leak occurs, there will merely be a harmless transfer of gas from the positive pressure jacket into the intake pipeline. If a leak occurs in the positive pressure jacket, gas therefrom will escape into the atmosphere, and entry of air into the positive pressure jacket will be impossible.

Abstract: An improved gate valve has a main body defining a flow passage, and a cylindrical gate member, which has a continuous seal disposed within a groove in the gate surface. The gate is actuated by a valve stem movable through a bonnet connected to the main body, with the longitudinal axis of the stem being offset from the longitudinal axis of the gate. The inner end of the stem is retainingly received in a recessed slot in the gate such that the valve stem can rotate relative to the gate and such that longitudinal movement of the stem will cause corresponding movement of the gate. The offset between the stem and gate axes keeps the gate in the same orientation relative to the gate chamber regardless of the gate's longitudinal position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a snow sled with brake pedals that can be actuated operated either independently or cooperatively by foot pressure or by manual cable-brake control levers, to press the brake shoes into the snow surface over which the sled is traveling, thereby braking the sled. The brake pedals are pivotably suspended from the sled frame so that the rider's feet can rest upon them. The lower portions of the pedals form brake shoes extending downward and rearward from the foot rest portions of the pedals, such that the brake shoes can be pressed into the snow surface by applying foot pressure to the pedals. Alternatively, the brake pedals can be actuated by a bicycle-style cable-brake lever. Cable-biasing means is provided to keep the brake cable taut when the brake pedals have been partially actuated by foot pressure, so that the cable-brake system remains operatively effective at all times.

Abstract: An electronic flow measurement device (EFM), for use in conjunction with a flow meter in a pressurized gas line, has a microprocessor and read-only memory (ROM), and calculates and records gas flow rates corrected for variable factors such as gas pressure, temperature, and density. Look-up tables stored in the ROM contain intermediate values calculated in accordance with selected protocols for selected ranges of input variables such as gas temperature, pressure, density, and turbine “K” factors. Based on inputs received from gas temperature and pressure sensors, the EFM selects corresponding intermediate values from the look-up tables, and then uses these values to calculate corrected gas flow rates, using software residing in the EFM. The microprocessor's power consumption is significantly reduced because the use of look-up tables reduces the complexity and extent of calculations that the EFM needs to perform, as compared with performing all required calculations in the EFM.

Abstract: A method for cleaning an exhaust stack tube of an oil tank heater comprises the steps of securing collection drums at open ends of a heater tube using attaching straps; securing a drop cloth over an exhaust end of the heater tube with an attaching strap; interconnecting the collection drums to one of a vacuum apparatus and a receptacle container; attaching a nozzle to an end of a high pressure hose; inserting the nozzle under the drop cloth and into an exhaust end of the heater tube; forcing wash water under pressure through the nozzle; guiding the nozzle to the top of the exhaust stack; pulling the nozzle back a few feet and, again, guiding the nozzle upward while rotating the nozzle; and repeating this process until the nozzle reaches the bottom of the exhaust stack.

Abstract: Apparatus for tensioning torsion spring, shaft-mounted in association with a spring cone, has a central ratchet assembly with two spaced, cogged ratchet wheels, slotted to allow the assembly to be rotatably positioned over the shaft. The ratchet assembly is connectable to the spring cone so that the spring cone will rotate with the ratchet assembly. The ratchet wheel slots are closed off by cogged bridging elements that create a continuous cogged perimeter around each ratchet wheel. Pawl-equipped levers are positioned over the ratchet wheels with the pawls engageably aligned with the ratchet wheel cogs, and then operated in alternating fashion to rotate the ratchet assembly and spring cone, thus tensioning the spring. Upon achieving a desired spring tension, the spring cone may be secured to the shaft, whereupon the bridging elements may be retracted from the ratchet wheel slots to permit removal of the apparatus from the shaft.

Abstract: An inspection and maintenance data storage and retrieval system features uniquely identified read/write memory buttons mounted in or on an equipment unit such as an aircraft, in association with specific components of the equipment unit. Technical information useful for inspection and maintenance of the components, plus historical inspection and maintenance information, is stored in a central database computer remote from the equipment unit. A memory button probe, used in conjunction with a portable computer, enables storage on the memory buttons of information relating to inspection and maintenance carried out on the corresponding equipment components, as well as technical information related to the components. The portable computer is connected to the central database computer, preferably through a wireless Internet connection, thus enabling downloading of technical information from the central database to the portable computer at the point of inspection or maintenance.

Abstract: An arbor apparatus for mounting an attachment to a rotary tool includes a mandrel with a drive stage insertable into a passage in a drive boss such that rotation of the mandrel rotates the boss. The boss has a polygonal drive head engageable with the drive opening of the attachment. One end of the mandrel has a locking plate that approaches the drive head when the mandrel is inserted into the boss. The locking plate is sized to pass through the drive opening while also partially extending radially beyond the edge of the drive head. With the mandrel inserted through the boss, the locking plate is passed through the drive opening of the attachment. With a gap being maintained between the locking plate and the drive head, the mandrel is manually rotated to allow the drive head to enter the drive opening, simultaneously causing portions of the locking plate to extend beyond the edges of the drive opening.

Abstract: A natural gas production system prevents liquid accumulation in the wellbore and minimizes friction loading in the wellbore by maintaining production gas velocity above a critical minimum velocity. A pressurized gas is injected into the well to supplement the flow of production gas such that the velocity of the total gas flow up the well exceeds the critical velocity. A choke is fitted to the gas injection line, and total gas flows are measured by a flow meter. A flow controller compares the measured total gas flow rate against the critical flow rate, and determines a minimum gas injection rate required to maintain the total gas flow rate at or above the critical flow rate. The flow controller then adjusts the choke to achieve the desired gas injection rate. The injection gas may be recirculated production gas from the well, or a gas from a separate source.

Abstract: An electronic flow measurement device (EFM), for use in conjunction with a flow meter in a pressurized gas line, has a microprocessor and read-only memory (ROM), and calculates and records gas flow rates corrected for variable factors such as gas pressure, temperature, and density. Look-up tables stored in the ROM contain intermediate values calculated in accordance with selected protocols for selected ranges of input variables such as gas temperature, pressure, density, and turbine “K” factors. Based on inputs received from gas temperature and pressure sensors, the EFM selects corresponding intermediate values from the look-up tables, and then uses these values to calculate corrected gas flow rates, using software residing in the EFM. The microprocessor's power consumption is significantly reduced because the use of look-up tables reduces the complexity and extent of calculations that the EFM needs to perform, as compared with performing all required calculations in the EFM.

Abstract: In a pivoting-jaw power tong, each primary camming surface of the rotary gear has a substantially linear rather than curved configuration. Each primary camming surface forms an acute angle with a radial line extending from the rotary gear centerline to the point where the primary camming surface transitions to its associated neutral recess. Accordingly, the radial distance to a point on any of the primary camming surfaces reduces linearly with increased distance from the neutral recess. Rotation of the rotary gear in either direction away from the neutral position thus results in a linearly progressive reduction in the distance from the center of rotation to the points where the pivoting jaws' cam followers contact the camming surfaces, thus increasing the force exerted by the dies of the jaws upon a tubular disposed within the jaws.

Abstract: Apparatus for stuffing pitted olives with an edible filling features a drum and drum holder, plus drive means for rotating the drum holder and drum about a selected rotational axis. Pitted olives are placed in a drum along with a quantity of filling, then the drum is rotated, agitating the olives and filling in tumbling fashion, and causing the filling to work its way into the cavities in the olives. The invention facilitates stuffing of large quantities of olives at one time, rather than individually, without manual contact with the olives or the stuffing materials. Effective stuffing may be accomplished with a variety of filling materials. The efficacy of the stuffing process may be enhanced by imparting reciprocating motion to the drum in addition to rotational movement, and by providing protuberances on the interior surface of the drum.