Abstract: This invention pertains to a method and apparatus for venting pressure from within a pressurized housing. It incorporates a sealing assembly that is secured within a housing and restrained against a pressurized channel by a nut. By loosening the nut, restraint on the sealing assembly is released thereby allowing fluid from the channel to travel the length of the sealing assembly and exit the housing. Conversely, by tightening the nut, restraint on the sealing assembly is reapplied which blocks the channel once again thereby preventing any more fluid from flowing.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a method of providing support for top boiler casing by partially slotting a channel or other bearing member and sliding a rod suspended from the top structural steel within this slot. Afterwards, a grooved plate is installed which is welded between the channel and the rod.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a method of installing well conductors in such a way that the load upon the platform is significantly reduced thereby also eliminating the need for additional framing members. In accordance with this method, an end region of a well conductor is plugged which, if the conductor has a diameter-to-wall thickness ratio of about thirty to one (30:1), will cause the conductor to achieve nearly neutral buoyancy. By selectively adjusting the buoyancy of the conductor, such as by flooding or de-ballasting, additional conductor lengths may be added without imposing an unduly large load upon the platform. In this fashion, a smaller crane will be able to lower the conductor string without the need for a much larger derrick crane, which may then be more efficiently used solely to upend and stab the elongated conductors through the platform.

Abstract: A clothes hanging apparatus is secured to the underneath of the shelf in a closet to provide additional rigidity to the shelf and to provide a hanger for suspending clothes therefrom. This clothes hanging apparatus is generally secured to the underneath of the shelf by a series of intermediately located mechanical fasteners, but other fasteners are equally suitable. As a result, this apparatus may be secured to a mid-region of the shelf; it need not extend the entire length of the shelf as other systems require. Additionally, this apparatus is preferably of unitary construction and of uniform composition.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a braced offshore structure that is constructed on land as a single unit in a compact bundle before being transported on a barge to the installation site. After the compact unit is launched, it is unfolded and ballasted before being installed upon the ocean floor. This structure consists of an elongated central tower having a plurality of braces pivotally secured thereto. These braces are initially positioned generally parallel to this central tower within recesses in the central tower but after the braces are unfolded, they extend at an angle to the central tower.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a re-usable offshore platform that is secured in place by skirt piles. The platform is constructed with skirt pile sleeves having an interior insert that is subsequently connected to the skirt pile. Prior to salvage, or re-use, the connection between the sleeve and the insert is cut thereby enabling the skirt pile to be removed which consequently allows the platform to be moved. Upon re-use or re-positioning, a new insert is installed and secured within the sleeve afterwhich new skirt piles are stabbed through the insert and embedded in the seafloor. Alternatively, should larger piles be needed at the new location, the larger piles can be stabbed through the sleeve itself thereby eliminating the need for new inserts.

Abstract: A lifting and transporting device for heavy loads having a lower indented toe region therein, easily adjustable along both its length and its width dimensions so as to conform to the load it is to carry. Individual wheel assemblies are used for such transportation with each such wheel assembly having an abutment plate that pivots about a support plate. Since each end of an adjustable tube (that fits within the indented toe region of the load) is secured to the abutment plate, this end of the tube, and its respective corner of the load, is raised whenever the abutment plate is raised and subsequently locked in place.

Abstract: A wind-driven apparatus for the conversion of kenetic energy in the form of wind to rotational mechanical energy. This apparatus incorporates a funnel that directs wind against a collector causing it to rotate. To prevent any backpressure in the funnel or against the collector, the area immediately downstream of the collector is free of any obstacle or channeling devices. To also prevent any backpressure from developing, a series of blow-through panels form a part of the funnel which open upon the presence of high pressure--the greater the pressure, the greater the opening.

Abstract: An isotonic exercising apparatus for exercising the lower limb of a user. The apparatus provides a fabric sock slipped over the foot of the user. An elongated, elastic strip secures this sock to a support enabling the user to isotonically exercise his lower limb muscles by tensioning the strip.

Abstract: A blending/loading system wherein an elongated cylinder or fuel rod is positioned on a turntable underneath a series of hoppers containing the particulates to be blended/loaded. Separate transfer tubes from each hopper are aligned with the cylinder and are subsequently lowered into the cylinder. Upon lowering, the cylinder is rotated and nozzles at the ends of the transfer tubes are activated to discharge, disperse and mix the stored particulates into the rotating cylinder. As the cylinder fills up, the transfer tubes are withdrawn from the rotating cylinder until the desired amount of fill is reached. Afterwards, the nozzles block any additional flow from occurring as they are raised out of the cylinder.

Abstract: An internal particle separator having impingement members positioned within the furnace enclosure across and just upstream of the furnace exit opening. These impingement members are organized into at least two staggered rows that are positioned to fully cover the exit opening thereby allowing entrained particles to strike the impingement members and free-fall directly back into the fluidized bed to increase its density. A baffle plate is attached to the lower end region of the impingement members thereby obstructing the vertical gas passage between these members.

Abstract: A method of laying pipeline in water greater than 1000 feet deep is disclosed whereby the pipeline is assembled on board a lay barge and then, during deployment, is bent beyond typical elastic bending limitations and Conventional Lay bending strain limitations while passing along a stinger where it is subsequently reverse bent to remove any permanent curvature. Upon further deployment, a generally horizontal axial load is maintained on the pipeline as it come to rest upon the sea floor such that the final in-situ residual bending curvature of the pipeline is nearly zero or falls within an acceptable range.

Abstract: A hanger clip in the shape of a closed "S" having co-planar, symmetrical loops. The end portions of the hanger clip are bent at their termini at an approximately ninety (90.degree.) degree angle with the vertices of these forming approximately ninety (90.degree.) degree angles and being located adjacent the mid-region of the hanger clip.

Abstract: A surgical hip wrap comprising an elongated fabric strip that is wrapped around a hip of a user to cover and/or protect it. The fabric strip is held in place by securing one end region around the waist of the user and by securing the opposite end region around the adjacent upper thigh region of the user. These end regions are secured to the fabric strips such as by a hook and loop closure system or adhesives or the like. The non-linear opposite end regions are offset one from the other, but they extend along generally parallel lines.

Abstract: A connecting rod assembly used in downhole drilling that has an articulated coupling secured to each end of a rigid connecting rod. This assembly connects via the articulated couplings, to axially misaligned shafts and transfers both rotational and axial forces between them. The rigidity of the connecting rod prevents it from flexing during this force transfer, thereby reducing transmission loss while increasing transmission capabilities. Each articulated coupling comprises lobed male and female members, spaced slightly apart from each other, that allow for the transfer of these forces between them. With such an arrangement, rotational and axially forces can be transferred to a drill or other bearing section from a rotating and gyrating downhole motor.

Abstract: An adjustable cabinet having a built-in ventilation and air purification unit for portability and versatility when used in conjunction with modular work stations. The adjustable cabinet can expand and contract in size and be moved as needed for varying storage requirements or furniture arrangements of the work station while still providing ventilation to the work area.

Abstract: An apparatus for vertically supporting an internal conduit subject to temperature fluctuations comprising a conduit with shear lugs secured around its perimeter. These shear lugs rest upon a spool member surrounding the conduit that is configured to permit the thermal expansion/contraction of the supported conduit as needed. This spool member is, in turn, supported by an outer casing in a manner permitting the spool member to move or rotate independent of the casing. In this fashion, no rigid connector couples the internal conduit to the outer casing, instead a spool member provides the necessary support while being fully movable with respect to both the internal conduit and the outer casing.

Abstract: Fixed and traveling cable blocks along with first and second cable grip assemblies are supported adjacent the load to be lifted or lowered. A lifting/lowering cable is threaded through the cable grip assemblies before being secured to the load while a separate cable suspends the traveling block from the fixed block. By alternately closing one cable grip and opening the other, the load becomes movable upon the movement of the travelling block. Additionally, by closing the previously opened cable grip and opening the previously closed cable grip, the traveling block may be re-positioned or re-cycled while the load remains stationary. Upon such re-positioning, the lowering/lifting operation of the load can be repeated.

Abstract: A particle storage chamber in a circulating fluid bed boiler having fluidizing means therein to tumble and fluidize the collected ash and ash coated particles. Due to the fuel burned, these ash and ash coated particles contain sodium and potassium compounds which react to lower the eutectic point of the particles thereby causing them to agglomerate or sinter. By fluidizing these particles, they are prevented from reacting through surface contact. Consequently, the ash and ash coated particles do not agglomerate or sinter thereby maintaining the individual characteristics of these particles and allowing smooth flowability for recirculation to the primary furnace zone.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a segmented insert installed within the horizontal conduit of a non-mechanical means (such as an L-valve) for controlling the external flow of particulate material recycled to a fluidized bed combustor. The segmented insert is insulated to protect the horizontal conduit and the individual segments are joined together by a combination of a collar and hinge means. This method of coupling retains the co-axial alignment of the individual segments for leak-free operations while also enabling them to move or pivot independent of each other while still being connected together. Such independent movement is necessary for stress release purposes during high temperature operation.