Abstract: An energy storage system in which a renewable power production facility, such as one having a wind energy collector, is used to power a compressor situated adjacent a wellbore. During periods of non-peak load on the electric power grid, the compressor is used to compress atmospheric gases and transfer these gases to a subterranean zone, where the gases are stored. During peak load periods, pressurized gases are allowed to flow from the subterranean zone, through the wellbore and to the surface. At the surface, the gases may be processed to remove residual hydrocarbons, and heated. Heat may be provided by combustion of the hydrogen output of an electrolyzer. The gases are then used to power a electric power production device which delivers alternating current to the power grid.

Abstract: A resilient clip adapted for internal installation within a rail having a longitudinally extending internal gap. The clip includes a lower leg that engages the base of the rail, and an intermediate leg, which engages a side wall of the rail. An indented upper leg of the clip is capable of clamping an elongate line, such as an electrical or communication line, in an elevated position in the upper section of the rail. Plural clips may be installed in the rail to support such a line at multiple spaced points along its length. A strengthening cable may be installed in the lower section of the rail, in overlying relationship to the lower legs of the clips.

Abstract: A barrier such as a fence is formed by welding conductive upright members to conductive U-shaped rails by a projection resistance welding process. The rail includes at least one weld-forming region which projects within the rail channel, and may be formed wither as a ridge, or as a longitudinally spaced series of nipple-shaped projections. The upright member is transversely positioned within the rail channel in contact with the weld-forming region. A welding current transmitted between the upright member and the rail causes the weld-forming region to at least partially melt and form a weld within the rail channel.

Abstract: A barrier such as a fence is formed by welding conductive upright members to conductive U-shaped rails by a projection resistance welding process. The rail includes at least one weld-forming region which projects within the rail channel, and may be formed within as a ridge, or as a longitudinally spaced series of nipple-shaped projections. The upright member is transversely positioned within the rail channel in contact with the weld-forming region. A welding current transmitted between the upright member and the rail causes the weld-forming region to at least partially melt and form a weld within the rail channel.

Abstract: A two-part rail is formed from a channel element which includes internal runners and stops which form a tray holder. A separate tray element may slide into the channel element, where it is supported on and confined by the tray holder. The tray element and channel element define boundaries of a retainer channel. Pickets traversed by alignable retainer passages are inserted through registering picket openings in the channel and tray elements of a rail. The pickets are secured to the rail by inserting a rod-like retaining element into the retainer channel of the rail and through the aligned retainer passages of the pickets.

Abstract: A high security palisade fence is formed from a plurality of vertical posts, each of which is characterized by a pair of flange sections which are joined by an intermediate flat web section having a double-walled structure. One or more cable passageways are formed in each post. Each adjacent pair of posts is interconnected by a plurality of parallel rails. Each rail is formed with an internal tray, within which a strengthening cable may extend. Vertical pickets are attached to the rails. The pickets are preferably characterized by a W-shaped profile, and preferably include longitudinal strengthening ribs. Each picket has a flat attachment surface in which a plurality of subsurface recesses are formed.

Abstract: A barrier such as a fence is formed by welding conductive upright members to conductive U-shaped rails by a projection resistance welding process. The rail includes at least one weld-forming region which projects within the rail channel, and may be formed wither as a ridge, or as a longitudinally spaced series of nipple-shaped projections. The upright member is transversely positioned within the rail channel in contact with the weld-forming region. A welding current transmitted between the upright member and the rail causes the weld-forming region to at least partially melt and form a weld within the rail channel.

Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder projectile assures radial expansion of the projectile upon impact at low velocity with a target. A hydraulic cylinder insert is disposed in an axial central bore of a projectile body. The hydraulic cylinder insert has a closed leading end, and a compression ram element is disposed in the leading end of the insert. Liquid is disposed in the cylinder aft of the compression ram element. The hydraulic cylinder insert and projectile and the method of producing the same are described and claimed.

Abstract: A swellable polymer gel composition for use in subterranean formations. The composition comprises water, a water soluble polymer, a water soluble crosslinking system and a swelling agent. The crosslinking system may be either a redox system or a chelating system. The amounts of the polymer and the crosslinking system are effective to form a substantially uniformly reacted tri-dimensional gel structure. To the gel solution, is added a swelling agent in an amount sufficient to increase the volume of the gel a predetermined percentage. The swelling agent may be a natural or a synthetic agent. A strengthening agent may be added to increase the gel strength of the composition. The composition has numerous uses and is particularly useful in oil industry applications such as plugging wells, sealing casing leaks and reducing water production from water-bearing hydrocarbon formations.

Abstract: An actuator system for a system valve exposable to a source of system pressure. A piston within a sensing vessel is caused to move longitudinally from a first position to a second position in response to a designated system pressure. A first piston stem carried by the piston is mechanically coupled to an actuator control valve, which is interposed in a fluid path between an actuator and a source of actuator pressure. Movement of the piston from its first to second position causes the coupled actuator control valve to block the fluid path linking the actuator and its pressure source, thereby causing a predetermined change in pressure at the actuator. As a result, the actuator shifts from its unactuated to its actuated state, thereby causing the system valve to shift from a first system valve position to a second system valve position.

Abstract: A plumb bob which may be used in combination with a measuring tape for gauging the vertical height of a liquid, such as oil, stored in a tank. The plumb bob comprises a weight which is cushioned at its lower end by a elastomeric bumper. The bumper, which may be formed from an oil-resistant elastomer, protects the tank base from deformational damage during the gauging process.

Abstract: A pipe bending tool is formed from a body and a pipe engaging hook. The body features a curved and convex base in which a longitudinal channel is formed. The channel features a first section, characterized by planar and preferably parallel side walls, and a deeper and adjacent second section, characterized by planar side walls, which preferably taper. The side walls of the second section preferably converge at a 90° angle to form a V-shaped channel base. This channel design permits pipes of more than one diameter to be bent in the same tool.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, apparatus and system for using sacrificial buckling pin technology for a reliable actuated safety relief valve and for a pilot valve system. The buckling pin fails at a predicted, predetermined system pressure through transfer of force exerted by the system pressure on a sensing piston or diaphragm to the buckling pin. The buckling pin failure triggers the release of a latch mechanism that releases the actuator assembly to slide away from the valve seat to initiate relief flow. The use of the buckling pin as a trigger for release of a latch provides for valves with high flow rates without the use of large, unmanageable buckling pins. The use of a buckling pin valve as a pilot valve to control a single or multiple relief valves operating together as a pressure relief system is preferred as particularly advantageous.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for using sacrificial buckling pin technology for a reliable actuated safety relief valve. The buckling pin fails at a predicted system pressure through transfer of force exerted by the system pressure on a sensing piston or diaphragm to the buckling pin. The buckling pin failure triggers the release of a latch mechanism that releases the actuator assembly to slide away from the valve seat to initiate relief flow. The use of the buckling pin as a trigger for release of a latch provides for valves with high flow rates without the use of large, unmanageable buckling pins.

Abstract: A wedge lock system for securing a screen panel to the deck of the basket of a vibrating screening apparatus. A retractable plate is extended through an inclined first access passage which is formed in a side wall of the basket. A wedge is driven between the projecting plate and a screen panel positioned on the deck, thereby securing the screen panel to the deck. When the plate is moved to its retracted position, a screen panel may be raised or lowered vertically, without obstruction.

Abstract: An applicator for dropping particulate material, such as fertilizer, to ground level, is formed from one or more hoppers capable of receiving particulate material, mounted on a wheeled main frame. Particles received from dispensing outlets depending from the lowermost section of each hopper are discharged into a horizontal delivery tube, within which is installed an auger shaft which carries helical flighting. Rotation of the auger shaft, driven by a drive system, causes the flighting to move the received particles to a particle outlet at a predetermined particle delivery rate. A control system, operatively engaged with the drive system, permits the user to determine the rate of auger shaft rotation, as dictated by the user's particle delivery rate requirements. Once particles reach the particle outlet, they are discharged into a conduit, through which they fall to ground level.