Abstract: A pipe interior surface coating device having a spray apparatus for distributing a coating material around an axis of rotation. A carriage supports the spray apparatus and is adapted to be moved longitudinally inside a pipe. A bracket may be used to position the spray apparatus at a chosen distance away from one end of the carriage and the carriage may include apparatus to position the axis of rotation of the spray means concentrically within the pipe.

Abstract: A shock absorbing bumper system assembly (10) is provided for attachment to an offshore structure (12). Assembly (10) utilizes a vertical column (34) supported from arms (20, 22). An outer protector (38) surrounds the column (34) and is eccentrically positioned relative to the column (34). A pair of resilient ring elements (42, 44) are positioned in an axially spaced relationship, bonded to the column (36), and conform to the annular shape formed between protector (38) and column (36). Resilient connectors (30, 32) may also be used and comprise rings (54), which are similar in construction to the resilient ring elements (42, 44).

Abstract: A shock absorbing boat landing (10) is provided for attachment to a marine structure (14) such as an offshore platform or the like. The system (10) has a landing frame (16) which is supported by two pairs of upper and lower shock cells (22a and 22b). The landing frame (16) is pivotally coupled at (40 and 42) to the operative arms (26) of the shock element so that relative rotation between the operative arm (26) of the shock cells and the frame (16) can occur about a vertically extending axis whereby improved shock absorbing characteristics can be obtained.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cementing a casing in a borehole in two distinct stages by connecting the tool of the invention in series relationship respective to the casing and running the entire tool string downhole into the borehole. The tool which connects the upper and lower casing strings together includes a coupling member actuated by relative movement between the upper and lower strings. The tool always captures the upper and lower casing strings to one another and when the tool is unlatched and the upper casing string lifted, a lateral flow passageway is opened which enables cement to be pumped downhole to the tool and laterally directly into the borehole annulus.

Abstract: An animal restraint device adapted to be worn by the animal comprising a pair of stave like members held in place along the sides of the animal by harness members attached to both staves towards the ends of the staves and a pair of pull members each attached to one of the staves in the vicinity of said harness members and adapted to be removably affixed to the other stave member, the harness members and the pull members passing partially around the animal's body in opposite directions when the restraining device is in place; the restraining device may have ring members for connecting the front of each stave to a collar around the animal's neck and a ring member at the back of each stave for connecting an additional restraining element.

Abstract: Improved mineral foam compositions comprising liquid sodium silicate, an alkali metal hydroxide, a filler material selected from fly ash, pozzolan, or mixtures thereof, and silicon. A process for making the subject compositions is also provided.

Abstract: A process of making a porous, lightweight, insulative, inorganic container for plants having an ornamental marbleized appearance. A basic slurry formed of gypsum cement is poured into a rotating mold. While the basic slurry is being poured into the mold, one or more colored slurry mixtures are poured onto the stream of basic slurry such that the basic slurry and the colored slurry mixtures remain separated by an interface such that each stream of slurry maintains its integrity to form discrete markings of different colors in the wall of the cast container. The casting is allowed to cure for a period of 25-30 minutes in the mold at a temperature of about 70.degree. F. After the casting has been removed from the mold, it is held in a controlled atmosphere at 120.degree. F. and less than 40% relative humidity.

Abstract: A closure assembly comprises a closure body adapted to be disposed in an opening in a structure. A closure body has a spirally disposed groove provided therein. A retaining member is made to be flexible for movement within the groove. Apparatus is operably connected to the closure body for moving the retaining member through the groove to a position wherein a portion of the retaining member engages the structure. The retaining member is further made of a size and material having sufficient shear strength to prevent movement of the closure body when the pressure applied thereto generates a force against said retaining member.

Abstract: A shock absorbing bumper system assembly (10) is provided for attachment to a structural member (12) of an offshore platform. The assembly (10) utilizes a vertical column (34) supported from arms (20) and (22). An outer protector (32) surrounds the column (34) and is eccentric to the protector. A pair of resilient ring elements (38) and (40) are positioned in an axially spaced relationship and bonded onto the column (34). The rings (38) and (40) conform to the annular space formed between protector (32) and column (34). Resilient connectors (26) and (28) can be used and comprise rings (44) similar in construction to rings (38) and (40). The system can be fabricated by forming subassemblies (62) comprising rings bonded onto the exterior of short lengths of pipe.

Abstract: A running board assembly (10) for a vehicle (12) includes a running board plate (14) which has an upturned lip (18) on one edge thereof and a downturned lip (16) on the opposite edge. A splash guard (20) is mounted on the forward end of plate (14) and extends into the wheel well of the vehicle (12). A pair of universal mounting brackets (34, 44) are interchangeable between sides of the vehicle (12) to adapt a single size running board to fit the vehicle (12) which has either of two spacing distances between mounting points thereof. The running board plate (14) has longitudinal ridges (52) and elastomeric strips (62, 64) which provide both transverse and longitudinal traction.

Abstract: A three way relay valve has a body defining a bore and first and second chambers, a supply port in fluid communication with the first chamber, and valve and exhaust ports in fluid communication with the second chamber. A plunger is moveably disposed within the bore and extends from the third chamber into the second chamber and a passageway being provided in the plunger for placing the valve port in fluid communication within the body to selectively block fluid communication between the first and second chambers or to block fluid flow through the passageway in the plunger and thereby block fluid communication between the valve and exhaust ports. The valve has a manual reset apparatus and a lock-out device to facilitate actuation of the valve after pilot pressure has been lost.

Abstract: An extended width parabolic trough solar collector (12) is supported from pylons (14). Collector (12) is formed from a center module (30) and two wing modules (32) joined together along abutting edges by connecting means. A stressed skin monocoque construction is used for each of the modules.

Abstract: A truss assembly apparatus (10) comprises an elongate table (12) with a presser carriage (14) supported for movement along the table. The carriage (14) supports a roller (116) for embedding fastener plates into precut truss members positioned on the table (12). Two clamping assemblies (40) are mounted on the table (12) to define a pair of truss assembly zones and an intermediate truss transfer zone. Each clamping mechanism (40) is selectively actuated to effect positive clamping engagement of the precut truss members or semi-complete truss positioned therein. A plurality of lift means (80, 100) are mounted in the table (12) for facilitating advancement of the truss during assembly.