Abstract: A process for improving the fillet-forming capability of brazeable aluminum articles includes providing a brazeable aluminum article, having at least one surface; and contacting the surface with a dilute, aqueous solution of fluoridic compounds, for at least 5 seconds at a temperature ranging from about 150.degree. to 212.degree. F. to produce an oxide-free surface which can be readily brazed with a minimal drip loss.

Abstract: Can or lid stock and a method for its manufacture in which a low alloy content aluminum alloy is strip cast to form a hot strip cast feedstock, the hot feedstock is rapidly annealed and quenched rapidly to prevent substantial precipitation of alloying elements and then cold rolled. The can end and tab stock of the invention has strength and formability equal to higher alloy content aluminum alloy.

Abstract: An automotive space frame joining system. The joining system includes a pair of extruded aluminum alloy lineal hollow rectangular members, the first lineal member having a top end, a bottom end and two opposing sides, each opposing side including a plurality of substantially similar longitudinal grooves running from the bottom end towards the to end of the first lineal member, the second lineal member having a top and a bottom longitudinal surface, the bottom end of the first lineal member abutting the top lineal surface of the second lineal member; and two pair of universal joining members, each joining member comprising a span and an interlocking member attached to the span, each pair fastened to opposing sides of the second lineal member and positioned such that each interlocking members of each joining member provides interlocking engagement within the opposing grooves of the first lineal member, thereby providing a space frame exhibiting great strength.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for selectively precipitating molybdenum in a form that is substantially free from vanadium impurities. The molybdenum is precipitated in the form of ammonium octamolybdate which has a molybdenum to vanadium ratio of about 400:1 in an initial crystallization and a ratio of about 1300:1 in a subsequent recrystallization.

Abstract: A punch tool is disclosed for puncturing the walls of heat exchanger tubes when they become worn in order that the tubes may be repaired. Said tool comprises a hardened, longitudinally drilled, steel rod that is able to fit within the heat exchanger tube. A piston with a cutting bit is fit within a milled slot that communicates with the longitudinally drilled hole of the hardened rod. Once the tool is inserted into a tube to be repaired hydraulic pressure is applied and the piston is forced outward thereby puncturing the tube.

Abstract: The Removable Bottom Founded Structure (RBFS) is an offshore platform for petroleum drilling and producing operations intended for deployment in waters with severe weather and iceberg conditions. The structure is normally held down by gravity, but during the deballasting procedure a hold-down system is employed to keep the platform on the subbase until site evacuation. The system that is used to hold the platform down onto the subbase is located where the platform meets the subbase. It operates on the principle of hydrostatics. On the underside of the columns there are multiple chambers which may be evacuated by pumping and which are vented to the outside atmosphere. Inflatable seals that define these chambers are positively engaged by this evacuation to create a fluid-tight seal so that no seawater will enter the evacuated chambers. The reduction of the buoyancy forces will hold the platform onto the subbase until such time as the platform is totally deballasted.

Abstract: The Removable Bottom Founded Structure (RBFS) is an offshore platform for petroleum drilling and producing operations intended for deployment in waters with severe weather and iceberg conditions. The structure is normally held down by gravity, but during the deballasting procedure a hold-down system is employed to keep the platform on the subbase until site evacuation. The system that is used to hold the platform down onto the subbase is located where the platform meets the subbase. It operates on the principle of hydrostatics. On the top surface of the subbase there are circularly arranged elastomeric bearing pads that define chambers which may be evacuated by pumping and which are vented to the outside atmosphere. Pressure by the platform on the bearing pads creates a fluid-tight seal so that no seawater will enter the evacuated chambers.

Abstract: The Removable Bottom Founded Structure (RBFS) is an offshore platform for petroleum drilling and producing operations which is deployed in waters with severe weather and iceberg conditions. The structure is normally held down by gravity, but during the deballasting procedure a hold-down system is employed to keep the platform on the subbase until site evacuation. The system that is used to hold the platform down onto the subbase is located where the platform meets the subbase. It operates on the principle of hydrostatics. On the underside of the columns, there are multiple chambers which may be evacuated by pumping and which are vented to the outside atmosphere. Flexible seals that define these chambers are positively engaged by water to create a fluid-tight seal so that no seawater will enter the evacuated chambers. The reduction of the buoyancy forces will hold the platform onto the subbase until such time as the platform is totally deballasted.

Abstract: The Removable Bottom Founded Structure (RBFS) is an offshore platform for petroleum drilling and producing operations intended for deployment in waters with severe weather and iceberg conditions. It is a two-part structure comprising (1) a platform which is made up of a deck structure, multiple columns and braces; and (2) a reinforced concrete subbase that rests on the sea floor and upon which the platform is founded. The structure is normally held down by gravity for standard platform operations, but during the deballasting procedure due to an iceberg emergency a hold-down system is employed to keep the platform on the subbase until full deballasting is achieved. The system that is used to hold the platform down onto the subbase is located where the platform meets the subbase. It operates on the principle of hydrostatics. On the underside of the columns there are multiple chambers which may be evacuated by pumping and which are vented to the outside atmosphere.

Abstract: The Removable Bottom Founded Structure (RBFS) is an offshore platform for petroleum drilling and producing operations intended for deployment in waters with severe weather and iceberg conditions. The structure is normally held down by gravity, but during the deballasting procedure a hold-down system is employed to keep the platform on the subbase until site evacuation. The system that is used to hold the platform down onto the subbase is located where the platform meets the subbase. It operates on the principle of hydrostatics. On the underside of the columns there are multiple chambers which may be evacuated by pumping and which are vented to the outside atmosphere. Flexible seals that define these chambers are positively engaged by this evacuation to create a fluid-tight seal so that no seawater will enter the evacuated chambers. The reduction of the buoyancy forces in the chambers will hold the platform onto the subbase until such time as the platform is totally deballasted.

Abstract: The Removable Bottom Founded Structure (RBFS) is an offshore platform for petroleum drilling and producing operations intended for deployment in waters with severe weather and iceberg conditions. The structure is normally held down by gravity, but during the deballasting procedure a hold-down system is employed to keep the platform on the subbase until site evacuation. The system that is used to hold the platform down onto the subbase is located where the platform meets the subbase. It operates on the principle of hydrostatics. On the underside of the columns there are elastomeric seals that define chambers between the column and the subbase which may be evacuated by pumping. Pressure by the platform weight forces the elastomeric seals down onto the subbase to create a fluid-tight seal so that no seawater will enter the evacuated chambers. The reduction of the buoyancy forces will hold the platform onto the subbase until such time as the platform is totally deballasted.

Abstract: The Removable Bottom Founded Structure (RBFS) is an offshore platform for petroleum drilling and producing operations intended for depolyment in waters with severe weather and iceberg conditions. The structure is normally held down by gravity, but during the deballasting procedure a hold-down system is employed to keep the platform on the subbase until site evacuation. The system that is used to hold the platform down onto the subbase is located where the platform meets the subbase. It operates on the principle of hydrostatics. On the underside of the columns there are multiple chambers which may be evacuated by pumping and which are vented to the outside atmosphere. Flexible seals that define these chambers are positively engaged by this evacuation to create a fluid-tight seal so that no seawater will enter the evacuated chambers. The reduction of the buoyancy forces will hold the platform onto the subbase until such time as the platform is totally deballasted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a barbed anchor pile is described in which a pile, having horizontally placed barbs, is driven into the seafloor. Once it is buried to a predetermined depth, the barbs are spread outward into the surrounding soil to ensure that the pile will not be pulled out by uplift loads.

Abstract: Method and means are provided for determining the position of a submerged marine streamer towed behind an exploration vessel. An array of sets of at least three transponders secured to the ocean floor generate distinguishable acoustic pulses upon a command signal. These signals are received by receivers housed in the streamer. The position to each receiver may be triangulated from the data generated.

Abstract: A subsea drilling and production system where the production unit is removably connected onto a drilling template and operatively connected to one or more Christmas trees so that the production unit may be disconnected from the trees and removed from the template without first removing any of the trees and so that any of the trees may be disconnected from the production unit and removed from the underwater site without removing the production unit.

Abstract: A method and means for storing a marine riser is disclosed for relocating an offshore mobile unit from a drilling or production site. The riser is disconnected from a subsea port and lowered into an auxiliary borehole. Means are provided for the lowering and raising of the marine riser and positioning of same.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for separating multiphasic mixtures of such things as gas and oil, from liquids, such as petroleum production fluids. It includes a centrifugal gas/liquid separator having a generally conical inner surface, a gas/liquid inlet located on this inner surface, an area for retaining the liquid and for allowing further gravity separation of the gas/liquid phase, an enclosure for the above mentioned elements, a gas outlet, and a liquid outlet.The device functions by initially separating the gas from the oil by centrifugation in the conical separator, then by allowing the remaining liquid to further separate by gravity in the retention area.

Abstract: The present invention is a pressure sensing and measurement device that eliminates errors due to compliance and lack of sensitivity. The cell uses a pressure receiving means (such as a flexible diaphragm) to detect an impinging object, a means to counteract the pressure caused by the impinging object (such as internal hydraulic pressure), and a detector to measure the amount of internal pressure used to counteract the impinging force. Since the cell is internally pressurized to a point equal to a value equal to the external pressure, the diaphragm is undeflected and may avoid the problems inherent in simple diaphragm systems (such as bridging and insensitivity).

Abstract: The present invention is a method and an apparatus for reducing marine growth on an offshore oil platform member. The device uses a buoyant member coupled with a sleeve to scrape the exterior surface of the platform members. The buoyant component floats on the surface of the water and takes advantage of the ocean energy (i.e., the variation of the water's surface height due to the tidal and surge responses) to move the device up and down on the member. The liner and the buoyant member are adjusted for size and buoyancy to ensure that scraping occurs in the areas of the members that are most vulnerable to attachment of marine organisms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hard hat which may be collapsed and easily stored when not in use. The hat uses a brim as a structural support, multiple curved segments and means for locking the segments into place. The multiple curved segments have raised and lowered portions, decreasing radii, and a common pivot point on the sides of the brim. In the collapsed position all the segments are stacked on one side of the brim, but when the hat is to be extended, the first curved segment is rotated about the common axis. As it is rotated a lowered portion on the back inner surface of the segment engages a raised portion on the front outer face of the next segment and it is drawn (as are the remaining segment) along with the first segment. Once the first segment has reached its position on the further side of the brim, the first segment is then locked into place and the hat is complete.