Abstract: A chain drive system is provided having a metallic chain and a metallic sprocket, both meshing with each other. The sprocket is constituted by a double ply or pair of members of the same radius, each having a number of teeth formed at the same pitch on the outer peripheries thereof. An elastic member is held between at least the tooth portions in the chain-mating portions of these ply members. A part of the elastic member projects radially outwardly from at least the bases of the root portions of the split-member defined sprocket to function as elastomeric buffers.The sprocket may include roller portions capable of making meshing contact with the sprocket teeth. A shaft portion supports each roller portion. Elastic rings member may be formed round the shaft portions so as to project radially outwards beyond the outer periphery of the roller portions.Portions of the elastic member may project transversely through sprocket wall openings and merge with buffer rims.

Abstract: A mount structure supports on a vehicle frame assembly a differential gearbox disposed behind a vehicle component such as a fuel tank which requires protection against shocks. The mount structure comprises a first coupling assembly supporting the differential gearbox on a first frame member of the vehicle frame assembly above the differential gearbox, and a second coupling assembly extending between a second frame member of the vehicle frame assembly behind the differential gearbox and the differential gearbox, and supporting the differential gearbox on the second frame member, the second coupling assembly being collapsible under shocks applied longitudinally of the vehicle frame assembly.

Abstract: A switch device for a motorcycle or the like having a handle grip fitted to one end of a handle bar, a swtich case arranged on a inside portion of an end of the handle grip, and a switch knob element mounted on a mounting surface of the switch case. This conbination is characterized in that the switch device comprises support elements operable to position the switch knob element with a center line thereof being inclined relative to a line extending perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the handle bar. Further, the switch knob element includes multiple operating locations operable to effect deverse operating conditions in response to depression by an operator's hand digit tip, with these multiple operating locations being disposed generally along an arcuate path traversed by the operator's hand digit tip while the operator is hand-gripping the handle grip.

Abstract: A wellbore circulating valve especially useful in a string of testing tools utilizes a sequentially ratcheted inner mandrel which covers a series of flow ports and is opened by a predetermined sequence of operations which move the mandrel away from the flow ports thereby communicating the annulus with the inner bore of the tool.

Abstract: A drill conductor is installed into a water bed from an offshore tower situated in a body of water by lowering the conductor from a deck portion of the tower along a straight path which is inclined relative to vertical until the bottom end of the conductor reaches a predetermined depth in the water bed. The conductor is then bent about a fulcrum to displace an upper segment thereof to a vertically straight posture while maintaining a lower segment thereof above the water bed in a straight and inclined posture. A special arrangement of apertured guides is provided along the tower to accommodate the initial inclinedly straight insertion of the conductor and to accommodate the subsequent displacement of the upper conductor segment. The guides thus support the conductor such that a portion of the conductor disposed above the water bed includes upper and lower straight segments, the upper segment being vertically disposed and the lower segment being inclined relative to vertical.

Abstract: A process for starting and laying a submergible elongate structure, such as a pipeline, upon the bed of a body of water from a marine vessel, while controlling the bending configuration thereof. The method includes the steps of tensioning a flexible cable between a marine vessel and a submerged hook-up facility, progressively suspending portions of a pipeline from the tensioned cable by means of spaced hangers, and extending the pipeline toward the submerged facility. The process may be employed solely to initially start to lay a submergible elongate structure or the process may be employed to both start to lay a submergible elongate structure and to subsequently lay a submergible elongate structure.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for purging water from a submerged pipeline including means for handling pipeline "pigs" (i.e., sphere, plug, or other device movable through a pipeline interior in sliding peripheral engagement therewith). In the system of the invention a pig launcher is attached at a first pipeline means end and a pig receiver is attached at a second, submerged pipeline means end. The pig launcher is operable to propel a plurality of pig elements in sequence through the pipeline under the urging of pressurized gas in order to displace fluid and/or locate obstructions. The pig receiver is arranged to exhaust such displaced fluid and receive and store the propelled pig elements. The pig receiver may include a fluid discharge system for exhausting propulsion gas into the ambient water in response to the arrival of a pig element and thus provide means to signal such arrival.

Abstract: An underwater breathing method and apparatus wherein a supply valve is connected to a diver's helmet and includes a valve body having a central bore for delivering a breathable gas from a supply conduit into the diver's helmet. The central bore is internally fashioned with an annular valve seat which cooperates with a compatible portion of the valve member to regulate a flow of gas through the valve body. A wall means defining a bore extends through the valve member with a first end in communication with an inlet portion of the supply valve and a second end in communication with an outlet portion of the supply valve for permitting gas to pass internally through the valve member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing offshore wells where variations in well annulus pressure are utilized to control the valving operation of a testing tool and entrap a formation sample.A confined body of pressurized fluid positoned in a testing string is utilized to predetermine the annulus pressure changes which will effect said valving and sample entrapping operations.